Art exhibit offers haunting look at Syrian conflict
The devastation is palpable in each brush stroke. The pain of bombing victims, the graphic horror of body parts, the sorrow of being displaced.
War, resilience and ultimately hope are themes explored in a new travelling exhibit on display in the Founders’ Gallery at The Military Museums.
The work of 19 artists — most still living in the chaos that is Syria — depict what life is like in the conflict zone.
Behind the Lines: Contemporary Syrian Art includes arresting pieces such as the Cultural Beheading series by Humam Alsalim and Rami Bakhos, Lina Malki’s Displaced series, and Khaled Dawwa’s clay sculptures inspired by being wounded in a bombing, then arrested, imprisoned and eventually exiled.
“This exhibition is not for the faint of heart, but it also affirms the incredible capacity of the human spirit to not only survive the most unimaginable circumstances but thrive,” said Lindsey Sharman, curator of the U of C Founders’ Gallery.
The exhibition was created by Paul Crawford, curator of the Penticton Art Gallery, and Humam Alsalim of the Cyrrus Gallery of Contemporary Syrian Art in Damascus.
“For those still living in Syria there are few opportunities to ex- hibit and, as such, they have nothing left to lose and are making art for the sake of art,” said Crawford.
“Their powerful work stands as a testament to their existence and hopefully will inspire similar voices not only in Syria but also here in Canada.”
The civil war in Syria has killed more than 400,000 people, according to the United Nations.
More than 25,000 refugees have made new lives in Canada, nearly 4,000 in Calgary. Last year, the University of Calgary awarded a number of bursaries, provided complimentary English-language training and other assistance for Syrian newcomers.
Behind the Lines: Contemporary Syrian Art runs until Jan. 7, 2018, and The Military Museums will be the only Alberta venue for the show.