Abdulrahman Katanani’s latest exhibition, The Story Portals, on display at Saleh Barakat Gallery in Beirut from January 10 to February 15, 2025, is a profound exploration of resilience, identity, and artistry. Known for transforming industrial materials into evocative works, Katanani’s new collection continues his journey of redefining boundaries, both literal and metaphorical.

The exhibition features nine monumental weavings crafted from metal sheets and barbed wire, materials often associated with conflict and division. These elements, however, are reimagined through the lens of Palestinian embroidery (Tatreez), a traditional art form symbolizing heritage and resistance. The interplay between harsh industrial remnants and intricate, lace-like compositions creates a duality that speaks to the human spirit’s ability to endure and adapt.

What sets The Story Portals apart is its origin and timing. Initiated over a year before the pivotal events of October 7, 2023, the works reflect an evolving narrative shaped by both personal experiences and regional dynamics. Katanani’s artistry transforms the rigidity of his medium into painterly abstractions, imbuing the cold austerity of metal with warmth and vitality. The resulting pieces defy their origins, embodying both the struggles and the hopes of their maker.

Katanani’s mastery lies in his ability to extract beauty from adversity. Through his hands, barbed wire and scrap metal become gateways to stories, portals that invite viewers to connect with a shared history and envision a resilient future. His work challenges perceptions, showing how even the most unyielding materials can yield to creativity and imagination.

Born in 1983 in the Sabra refugee camp in Lebanon, Abdulrahman Katanani’s life and art are deeply intertwined with themes of displacement and identity. He holds a Diploma and Master’s degree in Fine Arts from the Lebanese University and has built a career that bridges local and international art scenes. His past solo exhibitions include Rituals at Magda Danysz Gallery in Paris (2021), Self Portrait Total at Analix Forever in Switzerland (2020), and Brainstorm at Saleh Barakat Gallery in Beirut (2019).

Katanani’s work has been featured in prestigious residencies and group exhibitions worldwide, earning him recognition as a powerful voice in contemporary art. With The Story Portals, he invites audiences to step into a world where the past and future converge, and where art serves as both a mirror and a beacon.

Saleh Barakat Gallery, located in Clemenceau, Beirut, provides an ideal setting for Katanani’s evocative creations. The gallery’s commitment to showcasing thought-provoking works aligns seamlessly with the themes of The Story Portals. For those seeking a moving artistic experience, this exhibition is not to be missed.