Confessions in times of war: Zeina Badran

Where are our cultural players in times of war, and what are they doing?

L'Agenda Culturel went to meet them, interview them and listen to their stories.

Zeina Badran, printmaker and painter, lives in Beirut.

How are you doing?

Feeling threatened, anguished and angry.

What is your daily life like in a time of war?

With the rapid escalation of events, I find myself glued to the TV following up the news and learning more and more about the regional politics. Cooking is my favorite distraction, also seeing my close friends and walking in the mountains.

How do you continue your artistic activity? 

My studio is my refuge. However, working with either the drones buzzing over my head continuously or the ominous silence that suggests something is going to happen anytime of the day, is a big challenge.

So mainly my presence in the studio involves brainstorming fresh ideas and I can sense that my work is taking a twist somehow.

How do you see Lebanon's future?

Amidst this turmoil and during the first few days of the war, a new gift shop opened its doors in the same building where my studio is. A vivid example of resilience and survival skills. I can never stop believing that Lebanon will not be broken and that we will regain our integrity, as we always do.

To overcome the fear and anxiety, what do you suggest to our readers?

Stay united, it will make us stronger and it’s our only rescue.

Series: Anne with an E

Music: Landate Dominum - Mozart