This is a unique collaboration between Medco, a Lebanese petroleum products distribution company, and Katya Traboulsi, a visual artist. Traboulsi, who defines herself as a “socio-political visual artist”, embarked on a project of artistic reinterpretation of the traditional ornaments of Lebanese trucks. These, highly symbolic, reflect the beliefs and history of Lebanese truck drivers, conveying messages of protection and cultural pride.
The tradition of decorating trucks, according to Traboulsi, dates back to the days when transport animals were decorated to attract attention. Today, this custom continues on trucks from Tripoli, richly decorated with symbols, while those from Bekaa or the South mainly carry messages. A recurring element is the eye-shaped hubcap, supposed to protect against malicious intent.
The collaboration with Medco, led by Michèle Chammas Garzouzi, materialized after the latter visited Traboulsi’s exhibition, “Rej3a ya mama”, at Saleh Barakat. Inspired by Traboulsi's work and its cultural importance, Garzouzi proposed transposing this art onto Medco's tanks. The artist thus had the opportunity to disseminate this popular art on an unusual medium, tanks, reflecting the essential role of trucks in Lebanese society, particularly after the recent fuel shortages.
This initiative marks a shift from “naqla naw3iyya” (remarkable transition) to “naqla faniyya” (artistic transition) for Medco. It symbolizes not only a common cultural heritage, but also a celebration of the shared identity and beliefs of the Lebanese. The collaboration came to fruition at an event in Dora on January 5, where the new artistically decorated tanks were unveiled.