A special kind of storytelling

The Lebanese photographer and digital content creator Ismat Mahmassani is fast becoming known as a visual storyteller of note, both in her homeland and abroad. 

However, in many ways, Mahmassani’s own story is as intriguing as those she likes to capture and share with audiences, following her arrival on the regional art scene just a few years ago.

“It’s all been a bit of a whirlwind and I’m still taking everything in to be honest,” she admitted with a smile. “But I’m loving the journey, even though I am still evolving as an artist and experimenting.”

Experimentation lies at the heart of Mahmassani’s work and has done so since she rediscovered her passion for taking photos in 2018 after a lengthy hiatus.  

Significantly, she had just returned to Lebanon from Dubai and being back in the country her family left when the civil war broke out decades earlier undoubtedly brought deep memories back to the surface. 

“I began walking around Beirut and came across several of the city’s buildings that were once grand icons, but were now badly neglected,” she said. “It seemed strange and sad to see these architectural wonders falling into ruin while, nearby, shiny new developments were springing up.”

Mahmassani began photographing the buildings, dusting off her Nikon camera that she had last used regularly as a student in London, before familial responsibilities took a priority. 

“Many of these buildings were crumbling and lined with cracks, while others were war-torn and peppered with bullet holes,” she said. “They took me back in time and I found myself thinking about all the stories they could tell.”

Once developed, Mahmassani’s photos seemed to assume an even greater power and poignancy, showcasing scenes that conveyed broader messages of love, loss and abandonment. “The idea came to me that I could breathe new life into these places with some beauty and colour from the natural world,” she explained.

And so Mahmassani’s hallmark practice of painstakingly enhancing her photographic images with carefully chosen digital overlays celebrating nature took root.

Initially, as part of her technique, Mahmassani began experimenting with photographic elements such as summer meadow flowers, which she delicately incorporated into bullet holes, and brightly coloured butterflies, which she scattered artistically across drab walls. In other works, lush green foliage brought a rusted balcony back to life.

Modest by nature, Mahmassani took some persuading to begin exhibiting her work, having been offered the opportunity by a friend who owned a gallery. But any doubts she had of her abilities soon began to ease upon hearing that her limited-edition photographic pieces were garnering attention and selling.

Before long, her career as a narrative photographer with a distinctive practice was gathering pace, prompting exciting developments that ranged from commissions and collaborations to exhibitions and prizes. 

Recent milestones, which she described as “like a dream”, have included sellout group shows in Dubai, Lebanon and the UK, alongside a month-long artist-in-residence opportunity in a London coffee-shop/gallery. 

Mahmassani has also had the chance to team up with talented creatives working in other fields, including poets and ceramists. Other memorable moments include placing first in the digital tier of the Cluster Photography and Print Exhibition in London.

Mahmassani is now focused on preparing for her first solo show and continuing to build a portfolio that will take her to the next level as an artist. 

“I know these are early days, but I’m proud of how I’ve matured already and recognise the need to keep pushing myself - exploring and experimenting,” she explained. “I am thinking deeply about the choice of photos I use, for example, and focusing more on the blending aspect to make my work as poetic as possible. I am also transitioning towards the diptych model in my art for my planned solo exhibition on the theme ‘Trees and Transitions’.”

While nature is still the key source of inspiration, Mahmassani has expanded the selection of decorative elements she incorporates into her work to encompass everything from leafy tree branches to green shoots in the early stages of growth. The subjects featured in her compositions are also expanding and today range from city scenes and cars to people, captured reading or perhaps staring reflectively out of a window. In other poignant pieces, Mahmassani presents works featuring refugees symbolically carrying flowers in their arms. 

Other steps she has taken include experimenting with fine art etching paper, which adds an immersive feel to work. However, Mahmassani’s artistic practice, which she affectionately describes as ‘magical realism’, essentially remains the same.

Uplifting and evocative, conveying symbols of hope and optimism, her work unsurprisingly resonates with Lebanese audiences, who are not only drawn to the positivity they find there, but also recognise the landmarks in her compositions. However, Mahmassani’s art is also building a fanbase elsewhere in a sign, perhaps, that we are all in need of a lift as we attempt to navigate today’s uncertain world. 

“The Lebanese are known for their resilience and nature is a great source of inspiration for us – sometimes it’s what pulls us out of bed,” she said. “I think right now people can relate to this feeling wherever they live. And I’m really pleased that my work can spread a little happiness in these uncertain times. It’s so rewarding to see what it means to people.”