A perfect day in Lebanon

We spent an amazing day this week visiting with Nicolas Lecompte and Pascale Wakim of Carwan Gallery. We stopped by the gallery before going on to explore the stunning, nearby port town of Byblos—which is believed to be the world’s oldest, continuously inhabited city.

Nicolas and Pascale in Byblos

Nicolas and Pascale cofounded Carwan over three years ago to support contemporary design worldwide, with a special emphasis on fostering work and relationships among local, Middle Eastern, and internationally renown designers (like India Mahdavi and Michael Anastassiades) and institutions. Carwan first began as a pop-up gallery, presenting exhibitions at design fairs and museums around the world; this past winter, they opened up a permanent gallery location in Beirut.

We had a fantastic time visiting the new space, which is currently presenting the work of Lebanese designer Carlo Massoud—a collection of black, wooden dolls inspired by traditional Middle Eastern women’s garments that pay “tribute to the hidden beauty and inner world of women in the region.” And we can’t wait to see Nicolas and Pascale’s next project – they have plans to open another gallery in Dubai in the fall!

Thanks for an unforgettable day, Pascale and Nicolas!

the gallery

Carlo Massoud's Maya, Zeina, Racha, and Yara installation

part of Vincenzo De Cotiis's Progetto Domestico collection

Byblos

Carwan Gallery: 5545 Mar Mikhael / Beirut, Lebanon / www.carwangallery.com