(Reposted from the Folding Chair Coven’s website, originally published in December 2024)
In October 2023, the world stood witness to an unprecedented moment of devastation—the largest mediatized genocide in human history. Amid this harrowing backdrop, a beacon of resilience and unity was ignited in Florence, Italy: the birth of The Folding Chair Coven. This international and intersectional womxn’s art collective, composed of 22 members spanning continents, transcended borders and conflicts to forge a profound human and artistic connection. From diverse races, religions, and artistic disciplines, we united to create and exhibit art worldwide—a testament to the unyielding power of solidarity and creativity.
A year later, as the International Court of Justice condemned the genocidal Israeli war against the indigenous Palestinian people in Gaza, another tragedy unfolded: the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. The southern regions of Lebanon, home to invaluable archaeological sites and UNESCO-designated heritage areas, bore the brunt of relentless attacks. Entire families were obliterated, villages destroyed, and war crimes committed with impunity. Without an air force or advanced defense systems, Lebanon’s resistance—grounded in the right to self-defense as enshrined in international humanitarian law, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention (1949) and Protocol I (1977)—valiantly sought to protect its sovereignty.
In stark contrast, the Israeli Air Force, bolstered by cutting-edge technology and substantial U.S. funding, unleashed a campaign of devastation using internationally banned weapons, including phosphorus and depleted uranium. The attacks spanned sovereign Lebanese territories, from the south and Beqaa to the capital, Beirut. Hospitals and medical staff were targeted, and entire communities were wiped out—acts classified globally as war crimes and ethnic cleansing.
Amidst this chaos, one of our Coven members, living and working in Beirut, bore witness to the horrors firsthand. She shared with us messages, images, and videos of the destruction, pleading for us to amplify her voice and shed light on the atrocities unfolding in Lebanon.
Her daily reports galvanized the Coven into action. Moved by the situation’s urgency, we channeled our pain and outrage into art, sharing her story and imagery on social media to challenge the narrative and mobilize awareness. As the relentless bombing continued, it became imperative to help her find safety as she planned. Despite the economic blockade imposed by NATO countries, led by the U.S., on Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine, we banded together. Seven artists from Argentina, Italy, Britain, Bulgaria, Malaysia, America, and Mongolia united to secure the resources needed for one of her tickets. In a region where even basic necessities like medicine were scarce, as detailed in Amnesty International’s reports, this collective effort was nothing short of extraordinary.
On November 4, 2024, after weeks of relentless airstrikes and mounting uncertainty, she boarded a flight from Beirut. Across the globe, we held our breath as she traversed multiple borders, and when she arrived safely at her destination in Europe, our shared relief erupted into tears of joy. One month later, with a ceasefire in place, she returned to Lebanon, once again safe.
This experience reaffirmed a powerful truth: together, we are unstoppable. The Folding Chair Coven exemplifies what can be achieved when hearts and minds unite against adversity. What began as a collective of relative strangers blossomed into a force of unwavering solidarity and determination. We defied the odds, challenged systemic barriers, and accomplished the unimaginable.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we are a force to be reckoned with. And together, we will continue to create, resist, and inspire.
Gina-Marie 