Art Basel’s ‘Meet the artists’ series presents contemporary creatives shaping today’s cultural landscape

Mohamad Abdouni is a Lebanese photographer, filmmaker, and visual artist. In 2023, he was the recipient of the Galeries Lafayette group’s Production Support Program at Paris+ par Art Basel. 

Abdouni’s art is defined by its intimate portraiture and powerful storytelling, delving into themes of identity, gender, and sexuality. As the founder and editor-in-chief of Cold Cuts, a pioneering magazine amplifying Queer voices in the Arab world, he has created a vital platform for narratives that challenge societal norms and celebrate diversity. In addition to his documentary work, Abdouni has made significant contributions to the fashion industry.

In this episode of ‘Meet the artists’, commissioned by Art Basel, Abdouni presents a filmed self-portrait that offers a glimpse into his personal and artistic world. The film follows him spending a contemplative day at the beach, seeking solitude, relaxation, and freedom from thought. It unfolds as a psychological dark comedy, infused with an eerie, off-kilter dry humor. Interspersed with vignettes and supercuts from his previous artworks and commercial fashion projects, the film serves as a reflective montage in which Abdouni contemplates the meaning of being an artist. ‘I could just say, “I take photos, I make films, I publish magazines, I work in fashion,” but it’s too limiting,’ he says.

Mohamad Abdouni is represented by Marfa’ Projects (Beirut).