The Lebanese-Dutch artist Mounira al Solh was born in Beirut and grew up during the Lebanese Civil War — a time marked by constant violence and danger that deeply shaped daily life. As she once said: “Growing up in war is not about analyzing; it’s mostly about surviving.”
Her drawings, paintings, and installations explore major themes such as migration, women’s rights, the breaking of traditional roles, identity, and faith. Yet for Al Solh, it ultimately always comes down to connection: bringing people together and initiating something new and positive. This approach is also reflected in her dual work for Paradys.
The film and embroidered textiles shown at H47 focus on the rich, mythical history of the Lebanese cedar — the tree featured on Lebanon’s flag, and a symbol of unity in a country long scarred by war and destruction. As a companion to the film, Al Solh will also plant a young Lebanese cedar in Leeuwarden during Paradys, together with a group of newcomers. This tree will serve both as a symbol of hope for a new future and as a gesture of connection to this new place — one they hope to call home and contribute to for many years to come.