Yasmine Al Awa explores Syrian heritage through objects in Canvas interview

Syrian-born artist Yasmine Al Awa discussed her artistic journey and themes in an interview with Canvas. Born in Syria but raised in Dubai, Al Awa initially studied art restoration in Florence after high school. Her practice shifted during the pandemic when she moved to Lebanon to be with family, focusing on painting restoration and developing her own work. She described feeling disconnected from her Syrian heritage despite being surrounded by her father's family and her grandfather's possessions from Syria. This led to fragmented elements in her paintings symbolizing splintered identity. Al Awa's recent work concentrates on objects and spaces rather than human figures, including Syrian architecture, Ming Dynasty chairs, and pomegranates. The chair motif, featured in Linear Trace (2025), represents family gatherings and connects to her grandfather who imported artifacts from China and Japan. The pomegranate in Contained Fertility I and II (2025) symbolizes fertility across the Middle East and her regional identity. Al Awa mentioned being inspired by an abstract artist at Ayyam Gallery who paints without rules, making her want to free up her brushstrokes. She hopes viewers see Syria beyond war, noting its ancient cities, educated people, and resilient culture. The interview appeared in Canvas 121: If Walls Could Talk.