Byblos Bank, the main partner of the festival of Mediterranean photography Photomed, inaugurated at its headquarters in Ashrafieh an exhibition by world-renowned Italian photographer Mimmo Jodice. The exhibition, titled “Mediterraneo”, marks the start of a second widely acclaimed edition of Photomed activities in Lebanon, and confirms Byblos Bank’s leading role in supporting and promoting artistic photography. 

The exhibition’s 62 photos depict various aspects of the Mediterranean basin. They merge the past and present and thus project the viewer into a future that suddenly becomes reassuring owing to the unchanged nature of things. Mimmo Jodice, 81, personally attended the inauguration and introduced art lovers, Byblos Bank clients and managers, and the media to his unique artistic style. He said: “The exhibition represents a collection of my long exploration of the culture and memories of the Mediterranean basin, to which I strongly belong and that has always triggered my desire to trace its roots. I thank Byblos Bank for hosting “Mediterraneo” which represents an extraordinary opportunity to connect with Lebanon, a land that I feel very close to from both the cultural and artistic perspectives.” 

Nada Tawil, Head of Group Communication Department at Byblos Bank, noted that “by hosting the exhibition of Master Photographer Mimmo Jodice, the Bank is honoring its commitment to establish photography as a standalone art in Lebanon. We firmly believe that bringing the works of such top-notch artists to our country inspires young Lebanese talents who are at the core of our photography program, and helps them thrive and enhance their careers. To Byblos Bank, Photomed allows the youth, as well as the general public, to have access to a unique artistic platform, and interact with high-caliber experts, collectors, gallerists, and the media.” 

Philippe Heullant, President of Photomed, expressed his appreciation for Byblos Bank’s endeavors in supporting photography and young Lebanese photographers. He said: “Photomed is produced in Lebanon, thanks largely to the support of Byblos Bank. We are happy to see that photography has such a devoted and passionate advocate.” 

Simon Edwards, Artistic Director of both Photomed and “Mediterraneo”, said: “Photomed provides an opening to the culture of the entire Mediterranean basin and Mr. Jodice is one of the best artists with the artistic ability to express this through photography.” 

Jodice was born in 1934 in Naples, a city rich in greco-roman remains, and his work is born out of his desire to trace and recover the inner artistic aspects of temples and roads that, though now ancient, are still full of sounds, voices and smells. To Jodice, such representations of the past symbolize his anxiety and his need to witness their lives and perhaps, at the same time, the desire to witness his own life. His exhibition “Mediterraneo” at the Byblos Bank Headquarters will be open for visitors until 11 February 2015, from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. during weekdays, and from 10.00 a.m. until 3.00 p.m. on weekends.