Damascus Art Exhibition Highlights Syrian and Palestinian Identity
The Arab Cultural Center in the Abu Rummaneh district of Damascus recently hosted a fine arts exhibition, marking the culmination of a ten-day art forum and workshop. The cultural event was the result of a collaboration between the center and the General Union of Palestinian Fine Artists, featuring a selection of works by prominent Syrian and Palestinian artists. The initiative aimed to foster greater artistic and cultural engagement between the two communities.
The exhibition featured a diverse collection of artworks created using oil and acrylic techniques. Participating artists explored themes inspired by nature and contemporary art, while others incorporated symbols rooted in both Syrian and Palestinian heritage to express values of identity, belonging, and the human experience. Now in its second edition, the forum brought together more than 30 artists, providing a platform for the exchange of expertise and technical skills across different artistic generations.
Mohammad Al-Rukoui, head of the General Union of Palestinian Fine Artists and supervisor of the forum, highlighted the importance of such events in providing a creative space for young artists to develop their craft. He noted that the program allows participants to explore humanitarian issues and national identity through a visual artistic language. Artist Mahmoud Abdullah, a member of the union, emphasized that the forum successfully created a space for direct interaction between established artists and emerging talents, contributing to the refinement of skills and opening new horizons for artistic innovation.
Participants also shared their perspectives on the value of the experience. Artist Hanan Mohammad explained that her contributions focused on stories and experiences related to the Palestinian cause, executed through oil and acrylic techniques. Similarly, Sham Al-Jassem, a sculpture student at the Institute of Applied Arts, stated that the workshop provided her with practical experience in relief and lighting techniques, while also allowing her to expand her professional network within the Damascus art scene.
The exhibition was visited by Syrian poet Mohammad Nathir Jabr, who praised the symbolism conveyed through the paintings. He pointed to the imagery of the Palestinian keffiyeh intertwined with the Damascene Damask rose, noting that the Palestinian cause remains a constant creative inspiration for artists and creators. The event aligns with the Syrian Ministry of Culture’s ongoing efforts to support the fine arts movement and provide exhibition platforms that enrich the country’s cultural landscape.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
