a monograph of Rania Matar's work, published October 2009
reviews / accolades
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Media Reviews:
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"To carry us beyond the hype and headlines of the news of the day, Rania Matar's photography brings us insight into the lives and hearts of her people. The faith and commitment to life that mark the crossroads of modern Lebanon have shaped her soul and inspired her eye. This is art touched by a grace that commands our attention and makes demands upon our understanding and compassion. A clear light such as hers will always illuminate the spirit of humankind and aid us all in our daily challenge of beating back the lurking darkness." Roy Flukinger, Senior Research Curator "Rania Matar's insightful photographs reveal moments of order and domesticity amidst upheaval to capture the stability found within instability. The particular resilience of children is apparent in her work, which often shows how wonder can permeate the world of a child, regardless of circumstances." Jill Medvedow, Director In the world of stark contrasts that is Lebanon today Rania Matar documents the precarious existence of women and girls as they navigate their everyday lives in the aftermath of civil war. Her stunning black-and-white images made in the Palestinian refugee camps stand as witness to the strength and spirit of those seeking normalcy in the ruins of this war torn country. Matar approaches her veiled subjects, both young and old, with a rare intimacy and respect born of her own profound compassion for her native Lebanon and its people. Karen Haas, The Lane Collection Curator of Photographs |
Rania Matar photographs the ordinary activity of life – women reading a newspaper, young women putting on a veil, children playing with dolls, clothes drying on a line – in a culture often misunderstood in the West, at a time of social and political conflict. Her photographs do not explore the conflicting ideologies. They are studies of the beauty and resiliency of the human spirit made by a gifted photographer who combines the knowledge and love of the land of her birth with the perspective of a person educated in the West. Ordinary Lives is anything but ordinary. Howard Bossen, PhD, Professor, School of Journalism Rania Matar was born and raised in Lebanon. She was trained and worked as an architect from 1987 to 2000, but in the summer of 2002 she began photographing the Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. She has returned each summer to capture the humanity of those who have lost everything, but still maintain their dignity. Her work expanded over time to include the aftermath of war and women and the veil, giving a face to people often forgotten or misunderstood. Drawn to the most difficult of subject matter, Matar has managed to be present, but not seen, to record small moments in the ordinary lives of people living under extraordinary circumstances. The individuals in her pictures, mostly women and children, are treated with respect and sensitivity. Matar's pictures are direct, honest, and without pretense. They are not political. They transcend time and place and provide comfort and warmth. In spite of the context of war and displacement, they have a beauty of their own and give us hope for a better world. Constantine Manos, Photographer |