The Artual Gallery, located in downtown Beirut, is hosting a collection of works by renowned American artist Jonni Cheatwood in a new exhibit called “That’s Dallas, Baby.”
Acclaimed worldwide, the American contemporary artist is known for his vibrant hues and mixed media within his pieces.
Cheatwood made it a point to attend the opening of the exhibition for his first time showcase in Lebanon. Hosting him and his arts is no small deed, and the gallery owner Hind Ahmad couldn’t be more excited.
“Art enthusiasts all over the world have found themselves drawn to the rich assembly of characters whose stories Jonni tells, canvas by canvas,” she said via the state-run National News Agency.
“I’m convinced that visitors to Artual Gallery will be equally keen to discover more about both the unusual processes this exciting artist adopts and the subjects he creates who are unworldly, yet somehow familiar and endearing at the same time.”
Cheatwood’s process in making these pieces is meticulous and time-consuming. They feature photographs from the 1950s coupled with sections of hand-sewn fabrics that are then stretched across the canvas.
Moreover, Cheatwood himself was equally excited to launch his new art collection in Lebanon.
“The Lebanese are known for their insatiable curiosity, love for travel, and genuine appreciation of the visual arts,” Cheatwood said at the opening via the NNA.
“I regard it as a privilege to have been able to share my work with [the Lebanese] in their home country, within the ideal setting that Artual Gallery offers,” Cheatwood continued.
This is a new concept for Lebanese art enthusiasts, and the exhibition offers a perspective on American culture that is exciting and different, with pieces such as “Not Many People Can Hit That Note But I Can,” which features a deconstructed baseball player.
The exhibition will run until June 16th for any Lebanese art buffs or any other spectators looking to catch a glimpse of this unique collection.
