“Au fil des fleurs” and embroidery on paper by Andrea Haddad

The Matisse space, which transforms according to the seasons, the desires and the ambitions of its founder Lynn Sawaya, gives way, at the end of the week, to the emerging artist Andrea Haddad, with her heart project “Au fil des flowers.”

Established in Achrafieh after the double port explosion which blew away its offices, Matisse, an events company and multi-purpose space, continues to offer culinary, cultural, artistic and musical events in which emerging artists find the opportunity to exhibit freely, giving valuable visibility to young talents.

This Friday, June 28 and Saturday, June 29, it’s time for a soothing and poetic experience, far from the boiling and distressing news of the country.

For the 23-year-old designer, who collaborated with Matisse last year, the question of choice of location did not even arise: “It represents everything I believe in. Matisse is family to me. » Andrea Haddad is now giving free rein to her creativity and is coming this weekend to celebrate the five years of her project “Au fil des fleurs”. A fun way to close a loop.

After studying product design at the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts (Alba), she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in global design. Even as a child, “I loved manual things, working with clay, wood, fabric or thread. I started embroidering at the age of 12 for fun, I learned on my own to understand this practice and to develop my work. This hobby has become a passion that she fully embraces. In 2019, she launched her project “Au fil des fleurs”. “That’s my baby,” she said. I embroider on everything: fabric, leather, pouches, tote bags, clothing, unique pieces and even on paper. »

How to embroider on paper? “I make holes beforehand and then pass the wire through where I want it. This can be done on all media, photos, posters, postcards, concert tickets. »

An association of young talents

The pop-up, called “Au fil des fleurs, moukhtassar moufid, all things embroidered », which will be held this weekend, is made up of three collaborations: the first was done with 15 young photographers who selected black and white photos, thus giving him the freedom to “unwind” his colored thread, to embroider it, thus creating a contrast and giving another artistic dimension to the work. “They gave me carte blanche, they trusted me to do what I want. » The artist created between 80 and 100 unique pieces, all in postcard format, each framed according to the colors of the composition.

The second collaboration is with Nathalie Saoud, illustrator and friend. Together, they present linen pockets embroidered in summer colors.

Finally, the last one is made with Second Base, a used vintage clothing store in Beirut. Andrea selected a few pieces, notably shirts, and embroidered flowers to enhance them.

This weekend, the young artist is offering the public a two-day event to exhibit her art. On Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., she will teach fabric embroidery to the most curious. “I would like to teach people who want to do so how to make a drawing, transfer it to the cover, then how to embroider it. »

For those with a sweet tooth, the kitchen will be provided by private chef Rita Ghosn, a friend of the artist, who will prepare delicious appetizers. Music will be provided by DJ Malek Abi Nader, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The event “Au fil des fleurs, mukhtassar moufid, all things embroidered” will take place on Friday June 28 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday June 29 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Espace Matisse, Salam street, Feghali building, 1st floor, Achrafieh, Beirut.