Shared Presence - Zefta Arthouse’s inaugural exhibition

Shared Presence marks the opening of Zefta Arthouse through a collective exhibition of 80 contemporary works by 24 artists from South Lebanon. Conceived as a shared statement of pride and creative presence, the exhibition understands presence not as a passive condition, but as an active act of being seen of taking space, making work, and allowing it to stand on its own terms.

Rather than imposing a single theme or narrative, Shared Presence creates space for difference. Multiple generations, mediums, and sensibilities are presented side by side, allowing meaning to emerge through proximity, contrast, and craft. The exhibition resists simplification, holding varied artistic positions together without pressing them into uniformity.

In this context, presence becomes collective: a gathering of distinct voices that do not merge into one story, but remain legible in their individuality. The exhibition proposes that connection can exist without consensus, and that shared ground can be formed through attentiveness, care, and thoughtful presentation.

Shared Presence sets the tone for Zefta Arthouse as a South-rooted platform committed to artistic freedom and thoughtful presentation. It affirms the Arthouse as a place where practices from the South are given visibility and space to resonate locally and beyond.

Featuring works by

Mohammad Al Abdallah · Youssef Aoun · Hoda Baalbaki · Abdel-Hamid Baalbaki · Oussama Baalbaki · Fatat Bahmad · Kawthar Ballouk · Nour Ballouk · Darwiche Chamaa · Ali Chamseddine · David Daoud · Ali El Housseiny · Hala Halawani · Soukaina Hawila · Hussein Hussein · Roula El Hussein · May Jaafar · Safi Jouni · Adel Koudaih · Zahed Koubeissy · Abbas Makki · Rima Mansour · Amal Matar · Danny Tannous