Seated against a splash of colours on her studio wall, Ilat is pensive. Her face is grave, in stark contrast to the mirthful mood she has created in her workspace in west Beirut.
“The impudence of the ruling class has surpassed all our expectations.” A sardonic smile escapes her face, as llat mocks disbelief. The 30-year-old artist and art director is not surprised that the Lebanese economic crisis, which the World Bank says is the worst in 150 years, continues to unravel.
The afternoon is sweltering when we meet to record the interview, but luck is on our side. The generator is working, so we have a fan, despite the daily 18-hour electricity cut. Power supply in Lebanon has been brought to the brink, like most necessities – food, water, fuel and medicine. And with the Lebanese lira falling by 90% of its value amid the financial meltdown, buying art supplies is out of the question for Ilat.
