In September 2024, following the escalation of the war in Lebanon, more than 1.2 million Lebanese were displaced. In response to this humanitarian crisis, artist Abed Al Kadiri initiated the third edition of Today I Would Like to Be a Tree, created to support displaced families from southern Lebanon.
Following the same humanitarian direction as the previous editions, the project took the form of a large-scale site-specific mural at Katara Art Center in Doha, developed over fourteen days through a sustained process of perseverance and dedication. The mural was later sold in fragments, with proceeds donated through the Qatar Red Crescent to support displaced Lebanese families.
Conceived amid scenes of violence, loss, and displacement, the project transformed the tree into a symbol of endurance, resistance, identity, and belonging. Depicting nine villages from southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley, the mural reflects the enduring connection of the Lebanese people to their land, even under the weight of destruction.
This third edition continued the journey, expanding the project into new communities while preserving its humanitarian mission through art, participation, and collective memory.
EDITION 3 - 2024
Today I Would Like To Be A Tree
Lebanon Valley | Doha, Qatar
EDITION 3 - 2024
Today I Would Like To Be A Tree
Lebanon Valley | Doha, Qatar
“The faces of those displaced from their homes have remained with me throughout these days. Their grief and their scattered dreams became both the beginning and the end of this work, the sole impulse behind my desire to create and to contribute. Here, the tree cannot be separated from the land—from our collective memory and our identity. Here unfold the landscapes of our homeland: its plains, its mountains, and its sea. Here is Lebanon.”
Abed Al Kadiri
“The faces of those displaced from their homes have remained with me throughout these days. Their grief and their scattered dreams became both the beginning and the end of this work, the sole impulse behind my desire to create and to contribute. Here, the tree cannot be separated from the land—from our collective memory and our identity. Here unfold the landscapes of our homeland: its plains, its mountains, and its sea. Here is Lebanon.“
Abed Al Kadiri
In September 2024, following the escalation of the war in Lebanon, more than 1.2 million Lebanese were displaced. In response to this humanitarian crisis, artist Abed Al Kadiri initiated the third edition of Today I Would Like to Be a Tree, created to support displaced families from southern Lebanon.
Following the same humanitarian direction as the previous editions, the project took the form of a large-scale site-specific mural at Katara Art Center in Doha, developed over fourteen days through a sustained process of perseverance and dedication. The mural was later sold in fragments, with proceeds donated through the Qatar Red Crescent to support displaced Lebanese families.
Conceived amid scenes of violence, loss, and displacement, the project transformed the tree into a symbol of endurance, resistance, identity, and belonging. Depicting nine villages from southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley, the mural reflects the enduring connection of the Lebanese people to their land, even under the weight of destruction.
This third edition continued the journey, expanding the project into new communities while preserving its humanitarian mission through art, participation, and collective memory.
Work in progress, Katara Art Center, Doha, Qatar
Work in progress - Katara Art Center, Doha, Qatar
Lebanon Valley
Charcoal and pastel on paper, 2024, Katara Art Center, Doha, Qatar
280x500 cm (comprising 40 drawings, each 70x50 cm)
Lebanon Valley
Charcoal and pastel on paper, 2024, Katara Art Center, Doha, Qatar
280x500 cm (comprising 40 drawings, each 70x50 cm)
IMPACT
Funds raised through this edition supported the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) and its humanitarian efforts.
In addition, essential supplies were provided to 200 Lebanese families.