Reflective Lebanese photo album evokes images of cherished homeland past
News Article: "Not Here Not There" - A Visual Memoir by Charbel Alkhoury
Charbel Alkhoury, a Lebanese artist and cultural practitioner, has unveiled a poignant and evocative photography book titled "Not Here Not There". This visual memoir, developed in collaboration with Middle East Archive, offers a raw and personal account of displacement and remembrance.
Born in the historic coastal city of Byblos, Alkhoury's life and work have been deeply rooted in Lebanon. He studied photography in Zouk Mosbeh and dreamt of building a life in Beirut. However, the need to seek asylum in Belgium has prevented him from returning to his homeland until he obtains Belgian nationality.
"Not Here Not There" is a collection of images taken by Alkhoury between 2019 and 2021. The photographs span the cities of Byblos, Zouk Mosbeh, and Beirut, capturing the essence of these places that hold a significant part of his heart. The book reflects his personal experience as an asylum seeker, encapsulating the feeling of being suspended emotionally and geographically — "never fully here, never fully there."
The visual rhythm in "Not Here Not There" mirrors the emotional tension Alkhoury has felt. The photographs are largely devoid of people, except for protest scenes, which highlight a deliberate sense of emptiness and the absence of those lost or departed. This creates a vulnerable portrait of displacement and remembrance.
One of the most striking features of the book is its hazy and disoriented visual language, achieved through overexposed or heavily saturated images. This technique adds to the haunting and unembellished quality of the images, portraying the ache of bidding farewell to a country often overlooked.
"Not Here Not There" is both a visual memoir and an ode to Lebanon. It gives space for reflection on what it means to leave, to remember, and to carry fragments of home with you. The collaboration with Middle East Archive was pivotal in transforming this visceral, personal experience into a cohesive photographic narrative and physical book.
The photography book "Not Here Not There" by Charbel Alkhoury is available for purchase at middleastarchive.com for 35€. It stands as an offering and a way to honor his life in Lebanon before his departure.
In addition to "Not Here Not There", Alkhoury is currently working on two new research-led projects that blend video and installation, exploring themes such as occult practices as forms of resistance.
[1] Middle East Archive (2021). Not Here Not There by Charbel Alkhoury. [online] Available at: https://middleastarchive.com/products/not-here-not-there-charbel-alkhoury [Accessed 20 Mar. 2023].
[2] Alkhoury, C. (2021). Not Here Not There. [online] Available at: https://charbelalkhoury.com/not-here-not-there [Accessed 20 Mar. 2023].
[3] Alkhoury, C. (2021). Not Here Not There. [online] Available at: https://issuu.com/middleeastarchive/docs/not_here_not_there_charbel_alkhoury [Accessed 20 Mar. 2023].
- Charbel Alkhoury's latest work, a photography book titled "Not Here Not There", offers a unique blend of fashion-and-beauty, lifestyle, and social-media imagery, intertwined with insights into his personal life and experiences.
- The food-and-drink section of Alkhoury's book showcases traditional Lebanese cuisine, reflecting his roots and the rich cultural heritage of his homeland.
- For those interested in books and photography, "Not Here Not There" by Charbel Alkhoury is a must-read, providing a poignant account of displacement and remembrance.
- Aside from the book, Charbel Alkhoury's work also extends to the realm of entertainment, with two new projects blending video and installation, exploring themes such as occult practices as forms of resistance.
- If you're following politics and general-news related to the Middle East, the krime-and-justice system, and social issues, Charbel Alkhoury's book offers a personal perspective on these topics.
- In the spirit of travel and exploration, Charbel Alkhoury's book takes you on a visual journey through Lebanon, capturing the essence of cities like Byblos, Zouk Mosbeh, and Beirut.
- For those who enjoy sports and sports-betting, Charbel Alkhoury's book may not be the immediate choice, but it offers a unique perspective on the emotional impact of displacement, which can be related to the anticipation and disappointment often experienced in sports.
