Rachel Tabet
I was born in Jounieh, Lebanon in 1987. I graduated from high school in 2005, and I am currently majoring in both psychology and photography.
Q & A
Most of the work featured in Rebirth Lebanon seems to have a spontaneous, reactionary feel in its expression. What prompted you to take these photographs?
It is hard to think about the war now - looking back at it, it all seems so distant and vague. But the moment it was happening, I (just like many others) couldn't sit around without doing anything. I ended up volunteering in a shelter near my place. The featured photos represent nothing but the connection I made with those kids, in the time of war.
What sort of reactions, positive and/or negative, did your work receive upon its first diffusion?
After collecting the photos, I edited them and uploaded them to a blog. I was surprised to see so many people commenting on them and asking me to keep posting more and more.
How do you view the role held by artistic expression in Lebanon, especially in relation to the current crisis?
Personally, I'm not sure how much of a big role art can play in relation to the current events. Not that I don't believe in its power but, I'm not sure how much people are able to appreciate artistic expression for the time being, with all the tension and the stress they are being put through.
What does "Rebirth Lebanon" mean to you?
This is a great chance for all of us to translate our own image of Lebanon and in specific the war during the last summer, one that is not stereotyped by history, media etcƒ This is one of the few times where we get to tell our side of the story.
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