LEBANON – BEIRUT
The Lebanese editor in chief and artistic director of the multidisciplinary studio See The ACT, which opened in 2020, is a creative force that has weathered all storms. Zoom in.
“The extraordinary in an ordinary environment doesn’t shine, it’s even more often neglected and undervalued. Many brilliant and talented people around the world don’t get the recognition and reward they deserve. But once they arm themselves with value and confidence and remove themselves from the environment that doesn’t serve them, they thrive and grow.” This is the story of Wassim Fakhoury, born in a small town in southern Lebanon.
This creative talent has always had a passion for art, fashion and cinema. Based in Beirut, he began his career in the world of cinema. His style and artistic vision were strongly influenced by the iconic Italian director Michelangelo Antonioni. He dabbled in all areas of industry before branching out into fashion design and then the world of art, where he met Berlin pop artist Mougleta, who marked a real turning point in his career.
Art and Culture at the Heart of Everything
Together, they founded “See The ACT”, a multidisciplinary studio that supports and promotes young talent from different backgrounds: photographers, singers, painters, dancers, etc. A place where Wassim Fakhoury can imagine, design and produce all kinds of stories and content (videos, short and feature films, photo shoots, conceptualisation, art direction, social strategy, merchandising, shop windows).
“Art is a gift that needs to be cultivated and nurtured to keep on giving,” he explains, “The need for expression cannot be tamed, and art must not be limited.”
After years of wandering and creating, Wassim Fakhoury has finally found his way and satisfaction, moving forward despite the interruption of work during the 2019 revolution in Lebanon, which led to “inhumane living conditions”, followed by the pandemic in 2020. His journey has taken him where he wants to go: offering constant inventive solutions for himself, his studio and his clients, who already include Gucci, Valentino, Bvlgari and Elie Saab.
NATHALIE DASSA