Mounira Al Solh

Mounira Al Solh is a Lebanese visual artist born in 1978, whose multidisciplinary practice spans video, painting, drawing, embroidery, and installation. Her work often explores themes of migration, displacement, identity, and the political turmoil affecting the Middle East, particularly Lebanon and Syria. Al Solh's art delves into personal narratives while also addressing broader sociopolitical contexts, using humor, irony, and poetic storytelling to create thought-provoking and layered works. Her ability to blend the personal with the collective gives her work a unique voice in contemporary art. Al Solh is perhaps best known for her ongoing project, I Strongly Believe in Our Right to Be Frivolous (2012–ongoing), which documents the stories of refugees displaced by conflict in the Middle East. Through interviews, drawings, and personal reflections, Al Solh captures the individual experiences of those affected by war, providing a human perspective on issues often discussed in abstract terms. The title reflects her interest in how individuals can maintain a sense of identity, humor, and humanity, even in the face of extreme adversity.Her video works are similarly engaging, often blending reality with fiction in a way that challenges viewers' perceptions. In The Sea Is a Stereo (2007–2011), Al Solh documented a group of men in Beirut who swim daily in the sea, despite the war and political instability around them. The work uses this seemingly mundane activity to explore themes of resilience, masculinity, and the persistence of routine in the face of chaos. Her films and installations often employ absurdist elements, which allow her to address heavy themes in a way that is accessible yet deeply impactful.Al Solh’s drawings and paintings are equally significant within her practice. Her pieces frequently incorporate text, images, and symbols, creating narratives that blend personal history with wider political issues. Her works often reflect the complexities of memory, migration, and the cultural dislocation experienced by those who are forced to leave their homes. Through her visual storytelling, Al Solh examines the emotional and psychological dimensions of exile and displacement, while also emphasizing resilience and survival.Mounira Al Solh has exhibited her work widely at prestigious venues, including the Venice Biennale, the New Museum in New York, and Documenta 14 in Athens and Kassel. Her art offers an important commentary on the human impact of political conflict, giving voice to marginalized and displaced communities. Through her diverse body of work, Al Solh continues to challenge conventions, merging the personal with the political, and using her platform to explore the complexities of identity, migration, and survival in today’s world.