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Suzi Nassif Explores Identity and Memory in a Moscow Exhibition

ريم نصولي

6-November-2026

Suzi Nassif Explores Identity and Memory in a Moscow Exhibition

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What remains of us after life changes us? This is the question at the heart of Pamyat, The Inner Archive, a solo exhibition by Lebanese artist Suzi Nassif that took place at The Metropolitan Gallery of Artists in Moscow from October 15 to 29, 2026.
Curated by Hana Sammak Kurdi, founder of Sundara Art and Cultural Exchange, the exhibition brought together a collection of works developed over nearly two years, tracing Nassif’s personal and artistic journey through identity, memory and transformation. The opening reception was attended by His Excellency Bachir Azzam, Ambassador of Lebanon to Russia, alongside artists, collectors, curators and representatives of the Lebanese Russian House cultural centre.



The journey behind the exhibition began in Dubai, where Nassif first explored the idea of identity through a series of works shaped by ambiguity and discovery. It then took a more introspective turn when the artist returned to Lebanon amid war, confronting the emotional weight of revisiting her homeland during a period of uncertainty. Back in Dubai, the wider political climate continued to influence her perspective, before her artistic exploration eventually brought her to Russia, where she found a new point of connection through one of the country's most recognisable cultural symbols: the Matryoshka doll.



Traditionally known as a set of wooden nesting dolls, the Matryoshka became the central metaphor of the exhibition, representing the different layers of the human self. Much like the dolls concealed within one another, our identities are made up of the versions we show the world, the parts we keep hidden and the ones we discover along the way. Through this symbolism, Nassif creates a visual conversation between personal experience and cultural heritage, inviting viewers to look beyond what is immediately visible.
This evolution is also reflected in the works themselves. Beginning with predominantly monochromatic compositions, the collection gradually introduces softer, more human facial features, while recurring symbols connect the different stages of the artist's journey.



Colour emerges more noticeably towards the final works, marking a shift towards clarity, acceptance and harmony. The changing visual language follows Nassif's own emotional progression, revealing how the places we inhabit, the experiences we endure and the circumstances surrounding us can continuously reshape our sense of self.

Meaning "memory" in Russian, Pamyat goes beyond the simple act of looking back. Instead, it considers the lasting imprint of our experiences and the memories that become part of who we are. While the artworks draw from fragments of Nassif's own life, they also leave room for visitors to recognise something of themselves in each composition, turning the exhibition into a shared exploration of the human experience.



Presented in Moscow, Pamyat, The Inner Archive also established a cultural dialogue between Lebanon and Russia. Through the familiar symbolism of the Matryoshka, Nassif brought two distinct cultural landscapes into conversation, highlighting the universal experiences of identity, belonging and transformation that connect people beyond geographical borders.


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