Trash, treasure or Trashy Treasure?

On my last night in Lebanon...I decided to hang out near the beach Lebanese style with two bags full of "bazella" and "foul," I never knew these were considered snacks before...but I found myself addicted to them! We sat by the water, taking in the sound of waves crashing into the rocks. The surface was covered with dots of light coming from the fishermen's boats...and a small breeze would pass by every couple of minutes to remind us of how beautiful spring is in Beirut...Far into the distance, another marvelous sight stands tall...A dark, prominent feature of Beirut's skyline overlooks the sea...Mount GARBAGE. Yes, a mountain of Garbage. Now I myself don't know much about this issue in Lebanon, but I do know that recycling does not exist. Anywhere in the Middle East, for that matter. Everytime, I throw away things that could easily be recycled, I get a sick feeling inside. Although Lebanon is not exactly environmentally friendly, I know many organizations are making an effort to clean out the beaches and the streets. But they're a large minority. Which brings me to a small space in Mar Mikhael, called L'Atelier where an art exhibit called "Trashy Treasures" is taking place....

A chair made out of a barrel...

My tour guide tells me many of the small garages in Mar Mikhael are being turned into ateliers and workshops. Love Live Art! That's just what Lebanon needs, more art, less cars!!!! I first heard about this event through a fashion designer whom I interviewed and who is also a part of the participants. Designers including architects, interior designers, and artists (for a full list, check out their facebook page) had turned unexpected things into masterpieces! I enjoy coming out to these events and being surrounded with inovative people who appreciate the beauty of art. I myself recently enjoyed renovating an old table which I named a Plastik Table. Check out some of my favorite pieces below!

This is a chest (coffre) ... Do I need to say anything else? ;)

A Ghandour biscuit table (left) Bon Jus and Coca Cola (right)

you will never guess what the stools on the left are made of!...the thing that turns in a washing machine!! (left) The display on the window by Lara Khoury (whom I interviewed last week) Old wine boxes with staples of Lebanese heritage inside them...(right)

 It's good to see this concept of recycling being reflected through Art in Beirut...They always said one person's trash is another person's treasure. I though maybe they should've made something with car wheels, the infamous "Douleb" could be used for more than cars, swings, keeping away mosquitoes or ....in the case of Lebanon...blocking roads. At least instead of causing more unnecessary pollution, we can be doing something good for the ever-suffering environment of Lebanon. Nevertheless, this makes me want to look around my house for old things I can renovate and make beautiful!

To see the full list of designers, dates and the location, check out the Trashy Treasures event page... but there's alot more to see than the photos above! Make sure to check it out in person, and have yourself a delicious cocktail courtesy of Dictateur's bartender :)