Syrian Art Criticism: Historical Gaps and New Directions
An extensive examination of contemporary and modern Syrian art reveals significant deficiencies in art criticism and documentation throughout history. The ongoing conflict has compelled Syrian artists to seek refuge abroad, leading to innovative creative expressions. The fragmented archive of Syrian art, especially from before 2011, is a result of the delayed acknowledgment of art's impact on society. Until the establishment of al-Hayat al-Tashkiliyya by Tariq Sharif in 1980, early art criticism was minimal. Additionally, the absence of specialized programs at the College of Fine Arts in Damascus contributes to existing gaps. Art criticism traces back to 1948 at Dar al-Homsi, featuring prominent figures like Omar Abu-Riche and Abdul Aziz Aloun, who in 1962 engaged in discussions about anti-colonial art. Recent developments include Nibras Chehayad's concept of destructionism and Lenssen's Beautiful Agitation.
Key facts
- Syrian art criticism began on 6 February 1948 at Dar al-Homsi in Aleppo.
- Al-Hayat al-Tashkiliyya was founded in 1980, edited by Tariq Sharif.
- Georges Tarabichi translated Hegel's Lectures on Aesthetics into Arabic in 1978.
- Abdul Aziz Aloun, Mahmoud Daadouch, Fateh Moudarres, and Wadie Rahmeh discussed an anti-colonial art discourse in 1962.
- The manifesto of April 1962 included Article 10 on criticism and artistic culture.
- Louay Kayyali's 1967 exhibition included the painting Then What? about Palestinian migration.
- Nibras Chehayad and Guillaume de Vaulx D'Arcy wrote on destructionist art theory.
- Anneka Lenssen's Beautiful Agitation addresses documentation gaps in Syrian art.
- The College of Fine Arts in Damascus lacks philosophical and critical texts in Arabic.
- Adonis wrote about Elias Zayat's work, attributing speech to painting.
Entities
Artists
- Nour Asalia
- Robin Moger
- Mohammed Al-Amari
- Azza Abo Rebieh
- Tariq Sharif
- Saad Al Kassem
- Tharwat Okasha
- Afif Bahnassi
- Georges Tarabichi
- Abdul Aziz Aloun
- Omar Abu-Riche
- Sami Kayali
- Ghalib Salem
- Munib Naqshabandi
- Mahmoud Daadouch
- Fateh Moudarres
- Wadie Rahmeh
- Louay Kayyali
- Nazir Nabaa
- Elias Zayat
- Khalil Jibran Khalil
- Fawwaz Traboulsi
- Abdul Rahman Munif
- Marwan Kassab Bachi
- Adonis
- Asaad Arabi
- Nibras Chehayad
- Guillaume de Vaulx D'Arcy
- Anneka Lenssen
- Sarah Rogers
- Nada Shabout
- Abu Khaldoun Sati Al Husri
- Orhan Miyassar
- Adham Ismail
- Mohammed Al Maghout
- Naim Ismail
- Adnan bin Dhuryal
- Munir Sulayman
- Butrus Al Bustani
Institutions
- College of Fine Arts in Damascus
- Ministry of Culture (Syria)
- Modern and Contemporary Art Gallery (Damascus)
- National Museum in Damascus
- Dar al-Homsi
- Saleh Barakat Gallery
- UNESCO
- al-Hayat al-Tashkiliyya
Locations
- Syria
- Damascus
- Aleppo
- Beirut
- Lebanon