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sleepingwiththeenemyproduction is an art collective that aims to defy our understanding of what an “artist” is supposed to be. As the name suggests, the artists took off the cloak of individuality to create a space where solidarity is a priority, where, in a manner of speaking, ‘sleeping with the enemy’ (i.e. collaborating with fellow artists) is the only way forward in times of uncertainty.
Since its founding, the collective has done four productions with up to 10 participating artists. The productions typically last a full month and are split into two phases. During the first phase, the participating artists immerse themselves in a temporary shared studio over the course of three weeks to create works on paper, all the while opening up their artistic processes to the public. Once that is over, the works that were created in that space are exhibited for the length of a week. And when the temporary space is no longer in use, the remaining works are sold through this website.
The only binding rules of the collective are:
Prices are unified among artists.
Proceeds are equally divided among the participants in the production.
The entire body of work belongs to all the participants in the production, equally.
'TABA3OD'
New World, New Logic
Artistic marriage between Fadi El Chamaa & Semaan Khawam
Jul 7 until September 5, 2020.
July 7th, 2020
In the face of a changed world, both El Chamaa and Khawam felt the need to connect with each other and the world again. When everyone was adapting to social distancing, the artists were finding ways to get closer together through an artistic marriage. When everyone was adapting to the digital world, El Chamaa and Khawam are ready to leave it. "I'm sick of creating art works with the concept of a Jpeg in mind," said El Chamaa. Both Fadi and Semaan logged off from their social media platforms. They started collaborating on a painting over the course of 21 days.
August 4th, 2020
The journey of creating the largest piece made and signed by both artists, was interrupted by the Beirut Blast, the 3rd largest explosion in the history of humanity that devastated Beirut on August 4th, 2020. These are moments shared between Semaan and Fadi in Semaan's studio located in Dora, Lebanon.
Septemer 5th, 2020
One month later, the artists found themselves with a piece that strangely embodies two periods in time: pre-blast and post.
Artists
Fadi El Chamaa
& Semaan Khawam
Curators
Lynn Modallal @instalulush
& Zalfa Halabib @zalfa_halabi
Videographer
Lea Skayem @leahskayem
Music composer and performer
Midnight Odyssey by @space.reporter
#talkaboutlebanon
Works on Paper
All works on this website have been created during productions by the collective sleepingwiththeenemyproduction and are all original works on Schut acid free cotton 350 gm paper.
Upcoming Productions
sleepingwiththeenemyproduction might pop up in your city anytime. To know more about where we’ve already “made our beds,” follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
***An explosion detonated at Beirut’s shipping port on August 4, 2020, at 6:08 p.m. ... and it devastated the city. Hundreds of deaths were registered since and hundreds remain missing to this day. Over 300,000 people were displaced by the explosion and 150,000 jobs were lost, in a split of a second. As much as half of Lebanon's capital is reported to be badly damaged including a what was once well preserved heritage and cultural area. So far, signs point to a tragic, possibly careless accident that caused the detonation of more than 2,000 tons of explosive material in a warehouse near the port.
In light of what recently happened, do not hesitate to get in touch with us via e-mail or visit our instagram page for links to trusted NGOs in Lebanon.
#talkaboutlebanon
#solidarityintimesofcrisis
#artofchange
*** Due to the situation in Lebanon, we are currently experiencing problems with direct online payment. To purchase pieces, proceed to check out as directed and we will contact you to arrange the payment.