The multidisciplinary artist who passed away at the end of 2021 is honoured at a symposium at the American University of Beirut, held on 23 and 24 February. The event focuses on the Lebanese artist's writings. The idea was organised by Etel Adnan's former campaigner, Simone Fattal, in association with two friends, historian Fawwaz Traboulsi and Arabic literature specialist Sonja Mejcher-Atassi.
"Etel Adnan is better known for her painting than for her literary writings. The Lebanese people do not have access to her books, which are scattered and poorly distributed. This is why I asked each speaker to discuss a particular book of hers." - Simone Fattal, for media L'Orient-le-Jour.
Indeed, the artist has invited several of their close friends to the symposium: historian Fawwaz Traboulsi, Arab literature specialist Sonja Mejcher-Atassi, publisher Hans-Ulrich Müller-Schwefe, visual artist Lamia Joreige, director of the Poetry Center at the University of San Francisco Steve Dickison, Lebanese writer Dominique Eddé and Francesca Maria Corrao, specialist in Arab literature at the University of Rome.
The symposium's programme is intended to be as eclectic as Etel Adnan's work, with panels on her life, her childhood in Beirut, her poetry, ... Concerts at the al-Madina theatre are also scheduled, as well as screenings of films tackling Etel Adnan's work. A movie directed by artist Joana Hadjithomas is scheduled as well.
Photo: copyrights Connaissance de Arts.