This semi-sculptural wall piece presents a meticulous arrangement of plaster cubes and assorted materials (construction materials: plaster, cement, sand, cardboard, and wood), evoking an aerial perspective of a densely populated urban environment. While the initial impression may suggest chaos, a closer examination reveals a subtle concentric order that invites reflection on the inherent duality present in the piece. This sophisticated interplay of disorder and structure mirrors the multifaceted realities of Lebanon, reflecting the impacts of war and displacement. The predominantly white palette adds a layer of starkness, while the tactile quality compels engagement, encouraging viewers to delve into the nuanced narratives embedded within the work. The work was made in 2010 and was showcased in her solo exhibition, “In Transit,” at Agial Art Gallery in 2014.

Tania Bakalian Safieddine (b. 1954), known as Tanbak, is a prominent Lebanese-Armenian contemporary artist celebrated for her evocative paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media installations. Her works have been exhibited internationally and are included in prestigious collections such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.

Deeply influenced by her Armenian heritage and the harrowing histories of the Armenian Genocide and the Lebanese Civil War, Tanbak's began pursuing art after she left Lebanon in 1971. While pursuing studies in Spanish literature in Madrid and Barcelona, she was profoundly impacted by the works of Spanish masters like Fransisco Goya, whose paintings also reflected on war. This experience greatly shaped her exploration of monochromatic palettes and themes of human suffering.

Tanbak’s distinctive visual language is marked by the use of natural materials like ash, sand, and debris, which she imbues with potent historical significance, particularly in reference to the Lebanese Civil War and the Armenian Genocide. Her work often draws parallels between civilizations and historical epochs, reflecting her deep engagement with the lasting effects of conflict. Currently based in Beirut, Tanbak’s recent works signal a contemplative shift towards themes of renewal and beauty.