User:Marvain Candle/sandbox

ME

The collaboration between artists Elie Rizkallah and Marwan Chamaa began in 2021 in Beirut, Lebanon. Their inaugural painting, "EDL," by the artist-duo Marwan & Elie, also known as ‘ME’, depicted the EDL (Electricité du Liban) building, symbolizing the inefficiencies of the Lebanese state. Following this, their second piece, "BDL" portrayed the BDL (Banque du Liban) building, representing Lebanon's financial crisis.

Despite the geographical separation that saw one artist relocate to Paris and the other to Washington, D.C., logistical challenges prolonged the completion time of their latest painting, titled "نوڤمبر" (November), to around 11 months. Nevertheless, their dedication to their collaboration project and love for their homeland remains steadfast.

"نوڤمبر" features “The Egg”, or the Dome, an unfinished cinema building in Beirut by architect Joseph Philippe Karam, which commenced in 1965 and was interrupted in 1975 by the Lebanese civil war. The Dome became a symbol during the Lebanese protests in 2019, representing the resilience of the Lebanese people and the ongoing construction of Lebanon as a nation. Just like the month itself, "November" symbolizes the brewing storms on the horizon, reflecting the challenges and aspirations of Lebanon as an unfinished great work in progress.