In Beirut, solar panels and water tanks tell a story of decline
In the midst of upheaval and uncertainty, explosions and the Hezbollah, there emerges a narrative of resilience and innovation, captured through the lens of Dia Mrad, a photographer from Lebanon.
Returning to the vibrant streets of Beirut in 2019, Mrad found himself amidst a backdrop of societal discontent and economic strife, where the echoes of the 17 October Revolution reverberated through the city’s alleys.
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The October 17 Revolution, also known as the Lebanese Revolution, started on October 17, 2019, as a response to decades of systemic corruption, sectarian politics, and economic mismanagement in Lebanon. Sparked by proposed taxes on services such as WhatsApp calls, the uprising swiftly evolved into a nationwide movement demanding fundamental change.
There is no regular power in Lebanon. People have turned to solar power.
Protesters from diverse backgrounds flooded the streets of Beirut and other cities, united in their call for the downfall of the ruling elite and the establishment of a new political order based on transparency, accountability, and social justice.
Armed with an architectural background and a passion for visual storytelling, Mrad’s photographic journey took on a new dimension telling stories from the streets as he witnessed Lebanon’s economic crisis. His ongoing project, “Utilities,” serves as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of a people facing adversity head-on.
Mrad’s lens becomes a window into a world where necessity breeds innovation. Against the backdrop of crumbling infrastructure and dilapidated streets, he captures moments of quiet resilience and defiant creativity. From impromptu solar panels adorning rooftops to communal water collection systems fashioned from repurposed materials, each frame tells a story of adaptation and survival.
For Mrad, photography transcends mere documentation; it becomes a form of activism, a means of amplifying the voices of those often overlooked in times of crisis. Through his keen eye and unwavering determination, he offers a glimpse into a world where style meets substance, where resilience becomes the ultimate statement.
In every image, Mrad invites us to witness the beauty of resilience, to embrace the transformative power of innovation amidst chaos. As we navigate the turbulent waters of uncertainty, let us draw inspiration from the indomitable spirit captured within each frame, for in the face of adversity, true style knows no bounds.
