Inspired by his grandfather Samir Tabet, a centenary painter and artist in Beirut, Charlie Khalil Prince has always been interested in the notion of the portrait. 
The witnessing and making of a portrait allow one to meditate into the humanity and vulnerability of the subject, revealing their otherwise imperceptible depth and inner –universe. Alongside film-maker Karim Ghorayeb, Charlie created video portraits of individuals of varying social classes, religious backgrounds and generations in his home country of Lebanon. Each subject was asked to jump or sense a jump in front of the camera within the intimacy of their homes. This was followed by a discussion on their dreams and fantasies of falling, flying and every moment of possibility in between. Lebanon is drowning in collapse, political violence and financial catastrophy.
It felt necessary, more than ever, to propose images of bodies that are not succumbing to a failed state, but rather ascending beyond the systemic violence and geopolitical turbulence.


to a still moment repeated is a profound meditation on hope and the body’s capacity to find the poetics within, one that is as inseparable from its sense of power and agency, regardless of the context.


How do grace and resistance meet?
How do the poetics of the body meet the politics of its environment?
Is the body flying or falling?

Leaping into open space, the subjects are unconcerned and indifferent to the imminency of their fall, they are suspended in time – in the decisive moment between action and reaction:

Is the body falling or flying?

The artist would like to thank the Canada Council for the Arts

The exhibition is open from May 3 to June 14:

• Tuesday: by appointment
• Wednesday to Saturday: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• Thursday: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Accessibility information here.

OBORO is an artist-run center dedicated to the presentation and production of current practices in visual, media and digital arts. 

OBORO’s field of action covers visual and media arts, new technologies, performing arts and emerging practices. The centre’s two main galleries are dedicated to the presentation of solo and group exhibitions. The New Media Lab offers a variety of services and specialized spaces for digital and media art production. The multifunctional studios are spaces of creation and experimentation for artists who benefit from the expertise of a professional team. OBORO’s residency studio allows artists to stay for varying lengths of time, with access to the center’s facilities and services. OBORO’s programming encourages innovation, experimentation, the exchange of ideas and the sharing of knowledge. 

Founded in 1982 with the conviction that the living transcultural artistic experience contributes to the betterment of humankind, OBORO’s objective is to stimulate reflection in the artistic field and in society in general, and to contribute to a culture of peace by aiming to build a more just and equitable society, while allowing room for a multiplicity of perspectives.