Art for the sake of humanity: An Interview with Artist Naim Farhat on the Role of Art in Social Change

Suffering of Peoples Through Art In the Heart of Conflict: How the Farhat Museum Reflects the

Special Report by: Meryem Baydoun

In the world of art, creativity is considered a bridge that connects the present to the future, the self to the other, carrying with it messages deeper than words that resonate with humanity in its purest form. Art is not just colors on a canvas or sounds filling the air; it is a living space where pain and hope meet, serving .

as a mirror that reflects a reality steeped in history and collective memory.

From this perspective, the story of Mr. Naim Farhat stands as a living example of the power of art in expressing humanitarian issues and achieving cultural and social change. His career, which has spanned decades, combined with deep knowledge and a passion for humanity, served as the main driving force behind the creation of the “Farhat Museum… Art for Humanity,” which has become a cultural landmark reflecting the suffering and history of peoples while preserving their memories, which may otherwise be

forgotten amidst conflicts.

Farhat, who chose art as a language to communicate with the world, did not limit his role to being a collector of artworks but is also an artist and historian. Through the museum, which combines heritage and tragedy, hope and suffering, he presented the world with a model of a cultural art scene that fosters awareness of humanitarian issues and contributes to reshaping reality. His role as a true initiator in preserving the memory of peoples and turning artworks into invaluable tools for change becomes evident.

The “Farhat Museum” is not merely a collection of paintings and sculptures; it is a living space for the exchange of ideas and visions about human reality, motivating future generations to see art as an

ambassador of peace, reconciliation, and truth.

Farhat discussed the founding of the “Farhat Museum,” saying: “For me, the museum was not just an artistic landmark; it was a practical step to convey a cultural and humanitarian message. In the museum, I wanted to collect artworks that reflect the suffering and sacrifices of peoples in the region, especially

amid political conflicts.”

Farhat was influenced by philosophy and religious studies during his education in the United States, where he believes that art can be a tool for communication between different cultures. He adds, “For me, art is not just a self-expression; it is a tool to understand the other and interact with the social and political realities.”

Speaking about the influence of artist Asmaa Farhat on his career, Farhat says, “In 1996, there was an interview with my relative, Asmaa Farhat, an outstanding artist. She inspired me with new ideas about how art could reflect important humanitarian issues, and that’s when I began developing the idea of creating a museum focused on these issues.”

When discussing the role of art in the region, Farhat clarifies: “Art in the Middle East has a unique character. At a time when imagery was prohibited, art evolved to include architecture and decorations that reflect the identity of the people. I believe that art in this region carries a powerful message—it is not limited to beauty but also touches on issues of survival and conflict.”

Farhat also highlighted the importance of using technology in art, saying, “In our current era, digital art has become an important part of the artistic scene. I’ve worked on several electronic projects such as the ‘Lebanese Photo Bank,’ which aims to collect journalistic photos documenting the history of Lebanon and the Palestinian conflict. These photos are not just documentation; they are a means of conveying the humanitarian messages they carry.

He pointed out that Arabic art in recent years has had a strong impact, especially in light of the crises in the region. He said, “I believe that Arabic art can deliver powerful messages to the world. Despite the crises, Arabic art continues to carry hope and change, reflecting deep humanitarian issues, such as the Palestinian cause.”

Finally, Farhat emphasized the importance of art in raising awareness about humanitarian issues, stating, “Art must be a mirror of society, and it should be a tool for change. Through the Farhat Museum, I wanted to show how art can be a means of expressing the suffering of peoples and the hope for change.”

At the end of the interview, artist Naim Farhat confirmed that the “Farhat Museum” is not just a place to showcase artworks but a cultural and humanitarian project reflecting important regional issues, .

contributing to raising awareness of human rights, history, and social justice.