In February 2016 Syrian paper-sculptor and printmaker Ousama Lazkani brought his exquisite installations and artist books to The Portico Library. Developed in Damascus, Beijing and the UK and incorporating Chinese and Arabic calligraphy, this body of work builds on Lazkani's research into Eastern and Western belief-systems and symbols through depictions of 'The Four Guardians of the Sky' - Dragon, Phoenix, White Tiger and Turtle. A 2016 book of the artist's work published by The Portico accompanied the exhibition.