Beirut Public Mural, Lebanon (2017)
In 2017, RETNA completed a large-scale mural in Beirut, Lebanon, marking a significant event for the Middle Eastern art scene. The project was initiated by local galleries and aimed to highlight Beirut’s role as a cultural hub in the region. RETNA’s calligraphy, which incorporates elements of Arabic script, felt remarkably natural within Lebanon’s architectural and linguistic context.
The mural in Beirut became a symbol of cultural dialogue and unity through art. The artist’s work on the walls of a city that has endured much upheaval was seen as a message of hope and solidarity. The use of complex graphic structures reminiscent of ancient manuscripts gave the building a majestic and almost spiritual appearance. This project demonstrated RETNA’s deep respect for Middle Eastern calligraphic traditions and his ability to reimagine them in a contemporary way. The Beirut mural remains an important milestone in the artist’s international career, emphasizing the global nature of his visual codes.
