Syrian Art exhibition at ArtServe Miami curated by artist-curator Tony Khawam in-person tours and online virtual Zoom and Facebook Live MidEastern cultural lectures, performances, music, and Syrian culinary talks: Sept 1 to Oct 28, 2020
MIAMI, Fla. (Sept 3, 2020) —Throughout the history of human conflict, entire cultures have often been all but obliterated simply through the weaponized destruction of artwork. But in war-torn Syria beset for years by suffering, death and chaos, the resilience of its artists perseveres in conveying the nation’s urgent story worldwide.
ArtServe, South Florida’s award-winning arts services organization that is advancing the arts for social good, will help Syrian artists deliver their message in a full-scale exhibition entitled “Emerging Art From War-Torn Syria: War & Hope” that will run both virtually and in-person from Tuesday, September 1 through Wednesday, September 30. The show coincides with ArtServe’s limited re-opening on September 1.
Curated by Syrian American artist Tony Khawam of Miami and New York, together with ArtServe Curator Sophie Bonet, “War & Hope” showcases works by Syrian American and Syrian artists who began a new phase of their artistic careers in response to the Syrian War. Their paintings weave contemporary images of the physical and virtual worlds together with emotions wrought by the war and memories from their cultural heritage.
“War & Hope” represents two generations of artists who have enjoyed long careers in contemporary visual art both within Syria and abroad. Some traveled to Europe and America, where they earned advanced degrees, and others returned to Syria, where they are still living and working. American and German expressionism thus influences much of the work on display.
“Their paintings are a grand testimony of human suffering and survival whether spiritual or physical, especially in times of war,” Khawam explained, 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.
Free Virtual Events
A full slate of free “War & Hope” virtual events has been scheduled for “ArtServe Live.” All events are accessible via Facebook Live or Zoom on the ArtServe Facebook events page here:
Thurs., Sept. 33 to 4 p.m. | ArtChat & Lecture About Syrian American History by Artist and Curator Tony Khawam
An introduction to the “War & Hope” and a lecture on Syrian-Lebanese American history and Syrian arts and culture contributions to the United States.
Tues., Sept. 8 | 6 to 7 p.m. | Film Screening of “The Arab Americans” by Film Director Abe Kasbo
Screening of the documentary film entitled “The Arab American Experience,” followed by a Q&A session with the film’s director, Abe Kasbo.
Wed., Sept. 9 | 6 to 7 p.m. | Middle Eastern Melodies: Music & Poetry by singer/Poet Jorge Kouz and Organist Tony Tahan
Special performance and demonstration of classical Aleppian and Andalusian music.
Wed., Sept. 16 | 6 to 7 p.m. | Syrian Food Talk and Q&A with TED Talk & Food Blogger Tony Tahhan
Presentation: What Syrian cuisine can teach us about Humanity.
Tony Khawam Art 