Eight artists delve into diverse experiences marked by themes of sorrow, loss, migration, and war in an exhibit centred around the Syrian artistic odyssey. Alongside, a selection of paintings showcases Omani motifs, collectively celebrated in the exhibition titled 'Syrian Artistic Spaces.' With a total of 90 artworks, these artists contribute to enriching the cultural landscape with their profound expressions.
Sakha Jnoud, a Syrian artist currently residing in Oman and the curator of the exhibition, shares, "Oman's serene ambience, from the vibrant hues of its deserts, mountains, and seas, deeply influenced my artistic vision. Moreover, its culturally rich heritage, infused with elements of joy, instils hope and positivity. I found inspiration in Omani attire and heritage, endeavouring to imbue my paintings with their essence."
Jnoud's artistic endeavour extended to capturing the social fabric and affection prevalent among the Omani community. Contributing to 13 artworks, she shared, "My journey unfolds in two distinct phases: creations from Syria during the crisis, and those crafted over the past two years since my relocation to Oman."
She explained, "In my Syrian pieces, I drew from landscapes featuring volcanic mountains and obsidian, employing charcoal as my medium. These depictions of scorched remnants sought to revive the essence of past inhabitants and serve as a poignant reminder of their legacy."
Said Salloum showcased a collection of 16 artworks, crafted using acrylic colours, indigenous pigments, and sand sourced from his residence and diverse locales across Syria.
Rooted in realism, his artistic narrative embodies themes of anxiety, pain, and fear. Employing a surreal expressionist style, Salloum orchestrates a fusion of disparate elements, interweaving contradictions within his compositions to evoke a sense of fantastical intrigue.
Dr Yousef al Balushi shared insights into his contribution to the exhibition, presenting a diverse array of 19 artworks. His participation embodies two distinct realms: one rooted in traditional heritage, utilizing customary motifs, and another exploring contemporary expressions through abstraction, employing readily available materials. While many of his pieces feature human visages, others lean closer to abstraction.
In delving into heritage themes, al Balushi draws inspiration from traditional rugs and aged textiles. He notes the resourcefulness of our ancestors, who repurposed excess fabric into practical items like covers or quilts. Reflecting on this heritage, he integrates these elements into his contemporary works, sometimes reimagining them as rural houses or other popular motifs.
Discussing his artistic process, al Balushi explained his conceptual approach. He alternates between focused subjects and spontaneous experimentation, often manipulating materials and altering the orientation of his paintings to uncover hidden faces or elements. His mixed-media technique involves a blend of coloured soil, oil, glue, plastic hues, and fabric fragments, seamlessly incorporated into his compositions.
Artist Nidal Khwaiss unveiled a series of 12 oil paintings, immersing viewers in the untouched beauty of nature, unblemished by human intervention. His oeuvre strives to encapsulate the diverse landscapes of Syria, from volcanic regions showcasing a spectrum of colours across the four seasons—winter, summer, spring, and autumn—to the varying hues of daybreak and twilight.
Employing a myriad of techniques and mediums, including collage and solid materials on canvas, Khwaiss masterfully blends inks, acrylics, oils, and pigments to depict scenes of camel and Arabian horse journeys in reverent postures, infusing these creatures with emotional depth and human-like qualities. His compositions also depict farmers amidst harvests and crop gatherings, imbuing his impressionist style with a distinctive interpretation.
Wasim Abdul Hamid, a visual artist and the Director of Fine Arts at the Ministry of Culture in Syria, contributed 11 works to the exhibition. Utilizing acrylic and oil colours on canvas, he delves into the human condition through the lens of expressionism. In his pieces, colour serves as a conduit for the myriad emotions—joy, sorrow, and the profound tragedies endured, particularly amidst Syria's ongoing war and decade-long economic blockade. As a steward of the Syrian artistic landscape, Hamid keenly observes the impact of these adversities on emerging artists, whose works poignantly reflect experiences of poverty, hunger, and displacement.
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