Artists express longing for post-war peace in Damascus exhibition

An evocative art exhibition titled “The Road” has opened in the heart of Damascus, aiming to express the Syrian people’s deep yearning for peace in the aftermath of war. Hosted by the local Madad Arts Foundation, the exhibition is being held in an unfinished building, symbolically mirroring the ongoing reconstruction of not just infrastructure but also the human spirit.

The show, which began on April 5 and runs through April 18, features the works of 30 contemporary Syrian artists. Themed around “tolerance” and “forgiveness,” the exhibition offers a fresh and deeply personal interpretation of post-conflict recovery.

Not a gallery, but a statement

Far from the polished walls of traditional galleries, the raw, under-construction venue serves as a metaphor for the nation’s slow healing. According to the organisers, this unconventional setting underscores a central message: Reconstruction must begin with people before it begins with bricks and mortar.

Because some artworks require specific lighting conditions and a dark atmosphere, the exhibition is open during the evening hours, allowing visitors to experience the installations in their intended environment.

‘Art must lead the way in rebuilding Syria’

Mervan Teyyara of Madad Arts Foundation told the Anadolu Agency (AA) that contemporary art remains underrepresented in the region. Yet, young Syrian artists are finding ways to blend tradition with innovation.

Teyyara revealed that the inspiration for The Road came from a Quranic verse: “He brought their hearts together; surely He is Almighty, Wise.” That message of unity underpins the exhibition’s vision.

“Tolerance is often confined to religious or philosophical texts,” said Teyyara. “But through this exhibition, we gave young artists the freedom to interpret this concept personally and creatively.”

He emphasized that art should be at the forefront of Syria’s reconstruction—not just of its cities but of its citizens.

“We may be only one stone on this long path, but the impact of art will reveal itself in time. Young artists observe each other freely, drawing mutual inspiration. The media also reflected the spirit of the event beautifully. I believe in the power of art, and I am certain we will witness its fruits in the future.”

‘I sow my words into the earth. I am not afraid.’

Teyyara shared a striking quote from one of the artworks: “I sow my words into the earth. I am not afraid.”

He added, “It’s a powerful message. The driver drives, the doctor heals, the engineer builds, the soldier defends—but the artist does it all. The artist transmits, heals, nourishes, defends—all through art.”

A safe space for reflection and hope

Among the visitors was educator Zeyneb Beyyaa, who attended the event with her children. She expressed admiration for the artists’ ability to channel hope through their creations.

“There are truly moving works here,” she said. “Some directly promote tolerance. Art gives us hope for the future. These young artists are a beacon of light for us.”

She also noted how societal attitudes toward art are beginning to shift in Syria.

“Art used to be undervalued. That perception is changing now, and this exhibition is proof. The scars of war are still fresh, but art can help erase them.”

In one artwork, she saw two figures—one black, one white.

“Black represented evil, white represented good,” she recalled. “I said to myself: ‘Let’s forget the black and stay in the white.’”

‘Art is not just aesthetic—it is part of rebuilding’

Artist Delaa Lembo, a Fine Arts graduate, participated with her work titled Accumulation. Her multi-panel installation explores the emotional toll of constantly giving to others—symbolized by a burning candle that, even as it melts, lights the way forward.

“Love is the flame of the candle. It burns the candle down, but in doing so, it creates a path toward a pure, clean future,” Lembo said. “Even when the candle is gone, its effect remains. That’s the role of the artist—to symbolize rebirth and hope.”

Each of her four panels represents a different stage of human life, and visitors often find pieces of themselves reflected in the works.

“Art is not only about aesthetics,” she explained. “It’s part of the rebuilding process. Syria needs to reconstruct both its people and its society. And art is leading the way.”

Lembo added that art remains a vital weapon against hate speech.

“Art brings people together. It’s one of the most powerful ways to express emotions and build social dialogue.”