Kalem Club at the University of Sciences and Arts in Lebanon (USAL) organized a distinctive photography exhibition titled “Close from There, Far from Everything”, featuring the works of photographers Fatima Jomaa and Hassan Fnaysh. The exhibition offered a visual journey documenting the resilience of the people of South Lebanon and their collective memory in the face of the challenges the region has endured—particularly those stemming from the most recent war on Lebanon.
Images Documenting the History of South Lebanon
The exhibition showcased a collection of powerful photographs portraying different aspects of life in the South. Many of the images focused on capturing the region’s turbulent history—from scenes of destruction to moments of hope and resilience—emphasizing the community’s enduring strength and its ability to rise again after every hardship.
Interactive Dialogue Sessions with Students
More than just a display of images, the exhibition included a series of interactive dialogue sessions with students. Attendees had the opportunity to hear directly from Fatima Jomaa and Hassan Fnaysh about their experiences in the field of photography. The discussions also encouraged students to share their own stories and reflect on the impact of past events in their communities. These sessions aimed to inspire students to express themselves and explore how photography can be used as a tool for documenting historical realities.
A Platform for Art and Cultural Engagement
This initiative served as a unique platform for artistic and cultural engagement within the university campus. Students were able to interact with meaningful works of art that speak to Lebanon’s contemporary history. The exhibition highlighted the power of art as a documentary medium and a vital means for preserving collective memory.
Through this initiative, Kalem Club at USAL continues its leading role in promoting culture and art within the academic community and reaffirms its commitment to encouraging students to engage with societal issues through cultural and artistic activities.
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