Guardians in Tutu: Cranes of Beirut Transformed

The cranes at the Beirut port have long stood as towering symbols of Lebanon’s maritime activity, tirelessly lifting goods and connecting the country to the world. On August 4, 2020, they bore silent witness to the devastating port explosion. Many were damaged, yet some remained standing—guardians of both tragedy and resilience. This painting reimagines these cranes as towering giraffes adorned with tutus. Like the cranes, giraffes stand tall—symbols of endurance and grace. Through magical realism, industrial giants transform into elegant creatures, their rigid forms softened into the gentle strides of giraffes. Giraffes, known for their sharp vision, mirror the cranes’ watchful presence over the port. Their transformed bodies embody both protection and displacement, reflecting the Lebanese experience. Like sentinels, they stand vigilant, safeguarding their land, yet their long necks stretch toward the horizon, searching for safety, opportunity, or the proverbial greener grass. This fu