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Lebanon's revolutionary art flourishes despite culture sector strike

Since the start of Lebanon’s protests on Oct. 17, street artists have mobilized to add their marks to the massive movement that has swept across Lebanon.
A man rides on a motorbike past graffiti which reads "Revolution", in Beirut, Lebanon, November 3, 2019.  REUTERS/Andres Martinez Casares - RC1830CECF20

BEIRUT — The smell of paint filled the air as artists expertly moved their brushes back and forth along the walls surrounding the statue in Martyrs’ Square. Each artist adds a new mural or image to express him or herself as music plays softly around them.

Since the start of Lebanon’s over two-week-long protests on Oct. 17, street artists have mobilized throughout the country to add their marks to the massive movement that has swept across Lebanon. However, while street artists have thrived during this time, traditional art institutions such as galleries and exhibitions have gone on strike in solidarity with the protesters and because these events would struggle to draw a crowd.

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