Raed Yassin
The Theatricality of a Postponed Death
Past
11 May – 17 June 2023
11 Haritos Street, Kolonaki
Kalfayan Galleries present the solo exhibition of internationally acclaimed artist Raed Yassin titled “The Theatricalityof a Postponed Death”. The opening will take place on Thursday, 11 May 2023 (18.00 – 21.00).After his innovative rock musical with taxidermy animals “The Sea Between My Soul” at Onassis Stegi, Lebaneseartist Raed Yassin returns to Athens for yet another ground-breaking solo exhibition. Mirroring the artist’s wellknowncaustic humor “The Theatricality of a Postponed Death” raises key questions about war and grief, about trialand failure, the role of art in times of upheaval, personal and socio-political impact of artistic censorship. In a periodof great economic and socio-political upheaval, Yassin’s exhibition is more timely than ever.At times, a physical collective act that only takes place once has the ability to leave a trace in people’s minds fordecades to come. In 1984, during the darkest days of the civil war in Beirut, a surreal theatrical street processionmanaged to stop the war for a few hours while it marched from the city towards the sea. Raif Karam, the artist’sprofessor, staged the entire performance as a protest to the war, but also as a protest towards the restrictions oftheater itself. One of main characters of this performance was based on Shushu – a famous Lebanese comedian –who died tragically after his dreams of building a theater were shattered by the onset of war. Karam involved manyactors, dancers, artists and city dwellers in the performance, which left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds ofthe Beirut’s residents at the time.
Artists
Raed Yassin
Raed Yassin (born 1979, Beirut) is an artist and musician. He graduated from the theater department at the Institute of Fine Arts in Beirut in 2003, and since then has developed his conceptual practice through multiple mediums such as video, sound, photography, text, sculpture and performance.
Installation Views
