In this artist’s repertoire, there is a set of three
works focusing on communication via internet (like LebaneseGroup,
Connected, or Visitors), video installation, and videos (like A la
mémoire de Basil Fuleihan, Plus que normal, and Gare de
Lyon-Juvisy). Ricardo Mbarkho is a new art precursor: the art he
claims is simply a way to be.
“Everyone takes from art what art takes from himself”.
According to Mbarkho, creation has to be a means and not an end in
itself. It must actively participate in the “network’s” advent, made
up of a new thoughts principle, a mixture, and an intercultural
dialogue against the hostile reign of incommunicability.
Ricardo graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts in
Beirut, The School of Fine Arts in Paris, and the School of
Cinematography Studies. Always flying between France and Lebanon,
this artist is living in a breathtaking rhythm nowadays: Ricardo
teaches, creates, and exhibits in Lebanon, in France, and in all the
corners of the world.
Therefore, he represents the “ambitious” Lebanese
person: Ricardo the student made his way in life, especially in the
universe of video as well as in the 7th art, overwhelmed by the will
of succeeding and representing the socio-cultural Lebanese belonging
to a national and multinational public, above any prejudice and by
mixing dreams, ideas, and secret gardens without any modesty. This
is surely going on in a heart-broken Lebanon.
As an artist, why did you choose
video art as a basis to your creativity?
First of all, I have to say that my job is based on
three specific factors: identity, relations and social theme in
Lebanon, through the Middle East, and all around the world.
Video art diffusion by media is easier than any other
artistic form, like sculpture or paintings.
This art is an expressive mean. It is accessible to
the public. Therefore, it is easily copied and anyone can reproduce
it on PCs.
It is then a powerful support, especially nowadays,
because the image is everywhere (television, cinema,
photography...). Thus, it plays an important role in our modern
society.
What can you tell us about your
work in experimental art, and what about your last
court-metrage?
The head of the pyramid in cinema is “how to tell?” In
experimental art, the important thing isn’t “how to tell” anymore,
but it is the personal position of the artist, according to a
precise social living as well as the global “Society”.
In my artistic work, I rely on video. The plan goes
from the “tight” to the “large”. The large plan is the extended
“tight” one. It shows a global image of the whole society.
Also, concerning my work, the last video I have just
finished (June 2007, 3.36 secondes, screened at the Goethe-Institut,
Beirut), tackles this context of the “tight”/”large” plan.
As for my last synopsis, “Araméens”, it reflects the
Aramean identity, based on mobility since the departure from
Iraq...
What’s the importance of video art
in Lebanon? Who is concerned by it?
Since 2000, video art has become more and more trendy
in Lebanon. We can even consider it as a “phenomenon”, a new birth,
and a continuing expansion. Actually, we should say that this
artistic form is making a considerable progress.
Video art is now as a real as painting, sculpture and
photography. It allows the young Lebanese to express their dreams
and thoughts.
How do you see the future
Lebanon?
I can’t have positive thoughts about the future, and I
can’t talk about political stability, because Lebanon suffered from
crises on different levels. These successive crises are now
alternated and Peace is never assured. Unfortunately, problems are
increasing and Lebanon is in danger. Personally, I don’t believe in
a long-term stability in the Cedar Land.
I think that we don’t have to talk about a political
future, but about a “political near future”, because the Lebanese
people are always worried about explosions, attempts against
security and order, assassinations...
Lebanon is facing dangerous situations. The country’s
political and socio-economic are absent especially in Nahr el Bared,
Israel, Palestine...
Surprise is a major factor for the Lebanese citizens:
something happened, something should happen, something will
happen…!!! Nowadays, I am very pessimistic. Lebanon is suffering
from a big injury. But what is certain is that it will never
die.
Finally, what would you like to
add?
I would like to say that I am not only a video maker,
but also an immaterial works creator. This means that I work without
any artistic substance, as the "National Tabbouleh Day" shows it. It
is just an information matter. But it can also be a celebration that
transforms reality into beauty. This representation of art reflects
the fact that “we should deeply live the work”, and not simply look
at it.