Capturing Lebanon’s Resilience with Dia Mrad’s Photography

Last updated: 2024/03/21 at 12:44 AM

By admin 3 Min Read

Communal water collection system crafted from repurposed materials showcases resilience

In Beirut, solar panels and water tanks tell a story of decline

Amidst the challenging times in Beirut, a story of resilience and innovation unfolds through the captivating lens of Dia Mrad, a talented photographer from Lebanon.

Returning to the bustling streets of Beirut in 2019, Mrad found himself amid a backdrop of societal discontent and economic turmoil, where the echoes of the 17 October Revolution resonated through the city’s alleys.

Read Also: Lebanon’s abandoned Ottoman palaces

The October 17 Revolution, also known as the Lebanese Revolution, began as a response to long-standing systemic corruption, sectarian politics, and economic mismanagement in Lebanon. Initially sparked by proposed taxes on services like WhatsApp calls, the movement quickly evolved into a nationwide demand for significant change.

Utilities focuses on three factors which together tell the story of Beirut’s decline. The first is the huge increase in use of solar panels to supplement the city’s scarce power supply; the second is the rooftop water tanks, which are topped up by private companies when mainline provisions are down; and the third is the metal structures which now encase ATMs and protect the facades of high-street banks. The liquidity crisis and devaluation of the Lebanese lira have led to state restrictions on bank opening hours and cash withdrawals; the result is an increase in armed robberies and hostage situations carried out not just by organised criminals, but by ordinary people needing to access their money.

There is no regular power in Lebanon. People have turned to solar power.

Protesters of various backgrounds flooded the streets of Beirut and other cities, united in their demand for the removal of the ruling elite and the establishment of a new political system built on transparency, accountability, and social justice.

With an architectural background and a passion for visual storytelling, Mrad’s photographic journey took on a new meaning as he witnessed the economic downturn in Lebanon. His project, “Utilities,” stands as a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of a community confronting challenges.

Mrad’s photographs offer a glimpse into a world where necessity sparks innovation. Amidst the backdrop of deteriorating infrastructure, his images capture moments of resilience and creativity. From improvised solar panels on rooftops to communal water collection systems crafted from recycled materials, each photograph tells a tale of adaptation and perseverance.

For Mrad, photography is more than just capturing moments; it’s a form of activism, a way to amplify the voices of those often overlooked in times of crisis. Through his lens, he showcases a world where resilience meets style, where survival becomes a powerful statement.

In each picture, Mrad invites us to witness the beauty of resilience and embrace the transformative power of innovation in times of chaos. Let us draw inspiration from the unwavering spirit captured in his frames, for in the face of adversity, true style has no limits.