About Faces, 2009 Digital prints, photographic and drawing works 43 prints (50 cm x 35cm approx) Co-produced by Sharjah Biennial SB9
In Lebanon, it is common to see posters covering the walls, light poles, or pedestrian bridges of cities and villages. These posters generally depict persons, usually young men who died tragically, often while fighting for different politically aligned militias, or murdered political figures. These figures are known as “martyrs.” In their deaths, these martyrs are promised eternal life through their memorialised images. With their images plastered throughout our public spaces, the dead seem to watch us. For years, Hadjithomas and Joreige photographed those posters which memorialised men belonging to different parties, religions, or creeds, in various regions of the country, selecting only posters that had greatly deteriorated over time. Hung high, often in places that are difficult to reach, these posters remain, although the names, political alignments, and distinguishing features of those represented have been progressively erased by the elements. The artists photographed those images at various stages of their gradual deterioration. Then, with the help of a graphic designer and various illustrators, they attempted to recover certain features, or accentuate others. With the reappearance of these figures, can the image return? Does the image even want to return? 
