ArtServe, the Fort Lauderdale-based arts services organization, will provide Syrian artists with a platform to share their stories and perspectives in “Emerging Art From War-Torn Syria: War & Hope,” a new exhibition that will run both online and in ArtServe’s gallery from Tuesday, September 1 through Friday, October 23.
Curated by Syrian-American artist Tony Khawam of Khawam Galleries of Miami and New York and ArtServe curator Sophie Bonet, “War & Hope” will showcase works by Syrian and Syrian-American artists who began new phases of their artistic careers in response to the Syrian War. The featured artists’ paintings weave contemporary images of the physical and virtual worlds together with emotions wrought by the war and memories from their cultural heritage.
“Their paintings are a grand testimony of human suffering and survival whether spiritual or physical, especially in times of war,” Khawam said, adding that several of the artists who have returned to live in Syria serve as professors of art at Damascus University have influenced many of the new artists in the “War & Hope” exhibition.
The exhibition’s featured artists represent two generations of Syrians with enduring influence in contemporary visual art in Syria and abroad. Some traveled to Europe and America, where they earned advanced degrees, while others returned to Syria, where they are still living and working. American and German expressionism thus influences much of the work on display.
“This exhibition is the product of a year-long curatorial collaboration with Tony Khawam. It’s an authentic celebration of art, culture and human resilience, and a reflection of ArtServe’s commitment to diversity and cultural awareness,” Bonet said. “We’re excited to present ‘War & Hope’ virtually, because we are literally now offering the world the opportunity to experience this significant collection through our website, as well as participate in our supporting programming through ‘ArtServe Live’ that includes lectures, performing arts, film and discussions.”
To bring “War & Hope” to art patrons through the the ongoing pandemic, ArtServe will host its first virtual art exhibition facility tour, punctuated by adjunct online chats, performances, and lectures available for free via the “ArtServe Live” Zoom and Facebook page here. Guests looking to venture to the gallery to take a guided tour of the exhibition during its opening week can make an appointment for Thursday, September 3 (5 to 7 p.m.), Friday, September 4 (4 to 7 p.m.), Saturday, September 5 (2 to 3 p.m.).
Appointments for in-person tours through October 23 can be made by calling Sophie Bonet at ArtServe (954) 462-8190 or emailing sophieb@artserve.org.
Virtual Events
ArtChat & Lecture about Syrian-American History by Artist and Curator Tony Khawam, September 3, 3 to 4 p.m.
Film Screening of The Arab Americans and Q&A session with director Abe Kasbo, September 8, 6 to 7 p.m.
Middle Eastern Melodies: Music & Poetry, performance of classical Aleppian and Andalusian music by singer/poet Jorge Kouz and organist Tony Tahan, September 9, 6 to 7 p.m.
Chat with TED talk & food blogger Tony Tahhan on Syrian Food, September 16, 6 to 7 p.m.
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