To compliment the Haret Hreik – Mleeta: (Re)Constructed Uncertainties installation, the Goethe-Institut Libanon hosted a formal conversation between artist Sandra Schäfer and American University of Beirut (AUB) professor of urban studies and politics Mona Harb, which was moderated by Joseph Rustom, an architect and urban planner with the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts (ALBA). Drawing upon a diverse collection of experiences amongst the three participants, the conversation covered a range of topics related to urban planning, reconstruction in a post-war period, and sites important to Hezbollah.

Amongst other things, the conversation touched upon comparisons between the Waad project, initiated and managed by Hezbollah, which rebuilt southern Beirut after the 2006 war, and the construction efforts of Solidere, initiated and managed by Rafiq Hariri, which rebuilt downtown Beirut after the civil war. There are many considerations to bear in mind when undertaking projects of such magnitudes, including how to deal with private property, controlling and shaping narratives, and what role branding plays.

The wide ranging, in depth conversation provided a different lens through which to view the exhibition's contents and can be found in the linked audio, which has not been shortened or altered.

The artist talk was made possible thanks to funding from the Goethe-Institut Lebanon and the Heinrich-Böll Stiftung Middle East.

To compliment the Haret Hreik – Mleeta: (Re)Constructed Uncertainties installation, the Goethe-Institut Libanon hosted a formal conversation between artist Sandra Schäfer and American University of Beirut (AUB) professor of urban studies and politics Mona Harb, which was moderated by Joseph Rustom, an architect and urban planner with the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts (ALBA). Drawing upon a diverse collection of experiences amongst the three participants, the conversation covered a range of topics related to urban planning, reconstruction in a post-war period, and sites important to Hezbollah.

Amongst other things, the conversation touched upon comparisons between the Waad project, initiated and managed by Hezbollah, which rebuilt southern Beirut after the 2006 war, and the construction efforts of Solidere, initiated and managed by Rafiq Hariri, which rebuilt downtown Beirut after the civil war. There are many considerations to bear in mind when undertaking projects of such magnitudes, including how to deal with private property, controlling and shaping narratives, and what role branding plays.

The wide ranging, in depth conversation provided a different lens through which to view the exhibition's contents and can be found in the linked audio, which has not been shortened or altered.

The artist talk was made possible thanks to funding from the Goethe-Institut Lebanon and the Heinrich-Böll Stiftung Middle East.