Author: Safir

2024 SAFIR Supporting Artist’s Exhibition in Tokyo – Dana Alnafouri

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Parasol Dana: Bridging Cultures Through Art

SAFIR is proud to present the latest exhibition by Syrian artist Dana Alnafouri, a dedicated SAFIR artist since 2017. This exhibition, titled “Parasol Dana,” will be held at the BUoY Arts Center Tokyo from September 26-30, 2024 and stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of Syrian artists and underscores the importance of initiatives that nurture and sustain the arts. SAFIR was happy to support by enabling her to present her art here in Tokyo and sponsoring this exhibition.

Dana Alnafouri’s presence in East Asia underscores the importance of connecting diverse Asian cultures. Her work emphasizes that Syria, as part of West Asia, shares deep cultural and historical ties with the East. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between different parts of Asia, fostering mutual understanding and dialogue. By showcasing Syrian art in Japan and South Korea, including Dana’s solo exhibition at the CICA Museum in July 2024 sponsored by SAFIR, the initiative is helping to weave a richer tapestry of cultural exchange, reminding us of the sacred connections that have existed since ancient times and the cultural aspects of the Silk Road. This effort reflects a shared vision to celebrate the resilience and creativity of Syrian artists while promoting a deeper, cross-regional appreciation of art and heritage.

Dana’s exhibition draws inspiration from her childhood memories, particularly the vibrant worlds of Japanese animation. Growing up in Syria, the Japanese cartoon Parasol Henbē (مغامرات سنبل) left a lasting impact on her, blending with the landscapes of her homeland to fuse reality and imagination. Created by Fujiko Fujio, Parasol Henebē was a beloved 1980s cartoon in the Arab world, featuring a cheerful character from a magical world filled with rainbows; this show evoked a sense of a safe and happy world.

Dana explains that the fantastical scenes from these animations coexist with memories of life in Damascus and the Syrian countryside, inspiring scenes of nostalgic and imaginative paintings of imaginary worlds. Cultural influences and personal memories interplay, where the whimsical and the real merge into colorful, playful compositions. The use of UV light introduces another layer, revealing hidden details and transforming the viewing experience, much like the way childhood perceptions change over time.

The panoramic landscapes of Stolac, an ancient European city in Bosnia and Herzegovina, reflect this spirit of playfulness. The natural beauty of the area, with its cozy homes nestled in nature, feels like an imaginary world brought to life, complementing the vibrant, fantastical elements of Dana’s other works. During the 19th International Summer School Youth and Heritage, Dana drew sketches of the scenic nature of Stolac, which later further inspired her paintings.

2023 Artist Residency in Brazil – Juhayda Bitar

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In December 2023, Syrian artist Juhayda Bitar embarked on a transformative journey to Brazil, thanks to an art residency opportunity facilitated by SAFIR’s ambassador Lina Attar Ajami through ambassador Claudia Barenco Abba.

With a Master’s degree in Painting from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Damascus, Bitar’s artistic approach is deeply influenced by her close observation of nature and her connection with the movements of waves and the patterns of clouds.

Upon arriving in São Sebastião, São Paulo, for a 45-day residency at Kaaysá Art Residency, Bitar was immediately captivated by the unique Brazilian landscape. “What I saw when I arrived in São Sebastião wasn’t just a sea, it was the ocean,” she remarked. The vibrant hues of the Brazilian sunset, with its poetic blend of orange, yellow, and golden shades, along with the lush green of the forest, inspired a new palette in her artwork.

Bitar’s time in Brazil was enriched by the lively samba music and the warm-hearted people she encountered. These experiences influenced her use of vivid colors and spontaneous yet delicate brush strokes, which translate her memories and emotions onto the canvas. Her work, characterized by abstraction, serves as an emotional outlet, decoding mixed feelings of nostalgia, hope, and a deep connection with nature.

Hosted by Kaaysá Art Residency, Bitar was supported by a scholarship from a project led by businesswoman Luiza Helena Trajano. The residency, located in an old bed and breakfast by the forest facing the ocean, provided a nurturing environment for artists from around the world. Bitar’s application was supported by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC), with the help of SAFIR’s ambassador Lina Attar Ajami and Brazilian ambassador Claudia Barenco Abba.

During her residency, Bitar had the opportunity to immerse herself in the cultural life of São Paulo, visiting the São Paulo Museum of Art (Masp) and attending a play at Teatro Oficina. Working with various materials like acrylic and watercolor paint, she captured the essence of Brazil’s beauty and its influence on her art.

Reflecting on her experience, Bitar said, “Every place has its beauty, whether we are talking about cities, deserts, or forests. People have both tragedy and comedy inside themselves… Nature is like each one of us – it has several feelings. All this influences.”

Juhayda Bitar’s journey to Brazil not only expanded her artistic horizons but also highlighted the power of cultural exchange and the universal language of art.

2023 Artist Residency in Europe – Noor Bahjat Al Masri

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Brushstrokes Across Borders: Noor Bahjat Al Masri’s Artistic Voyage in Europe

SAFIR connected Dubai resident, Syrian Artist Noor Bajhat with Artist Marina Fedorova, who invited her to spend a summer in both Munich, Germany and Paris, France – supported by Sputnik Partners. Both artists collaborated on a project for a fine German stationary brand named Prantl creating bespoke unique illustrated cards. During her residency, Noor was exposed to the German and French Art scene where she produced a body of exquisite works on paper.

Noor Bahjat & Marina Fedorova

Noor Bahjat Al Masri, embarked on a transformative artistic journey across Europe, leaving a lasting mark on her creative perspective and practice. Her journey, supported by Sputnik Partners, unfolded as a symphony of cultural immersion and collaboration, enriching her artistry with newfound inspirations and techniques. 

As she adjusted to a different rhythm – navigating time, transport, and the nuanced art of catching the sun’s fleeting rays – Noor was also immersing herself in the continent’s rich art scene and visited a myriad of galleries and museums, each leaving a lasting impression. From Kunst Hall Munich and Pinakothek der Moderne in Germany to St. Peter Church and Leopold Museum in Vienna, her artistic senses were ignited by the diverse tapestry of creative contemporary art. The gothic architecture, rich details, and the vibrant artworks in European churches, museums, and galleries became a brushstroke, shaping her artistic perspective and leaving an enduring impression that would echo in her creations. 

Noor Bahjat with Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi in Berlin

In reflecting on the collaboration with Prantl, Noor Bahjat Al Masri expresses immense satisfaction with the partnership, emphasizing their superlative professionalism and flexibility. The collaboration afforded her complete freedom in selecting the artworks for printing on the cards, resulting in an amazing fusion of colors with impeccable timing. Noor chose four distinct paintings from her “Love Series,” each card serving as a unique visual narrative. One card depicts a bride and groom, honoring the profound bond of matrimony. Another portrays two lovers adorned with tattoos, symbolizing life’s difficulties as they hold each other’s hands against a serene pink background. A tender scene unfolds in the third card, featuring a mother bowing towards her baby with utmost care. The fourth card depicts two figures of the same gender kissing, embracing diversity in love. The final design, a birthday card, intricately blends a feminine portrait with a skull surrounded by plants, conveying the poignant message that life has both beauty and inevitable endings. Noor’s collaboration with Prantl not only showcased her artistic prowess but also conveyed powerful messages, encouraging herself and others to live for what truly matters.

In the realm of technique, Noor’s encounters with different artists and studios brought forth a plethora of knowledge. From composition planning with Marina to diverse canvas surfaces with Tammam Azzam, these lessons promise to elevate Noor’s future work to unprecedented levels. Unexpected discoveries unfolded in the intricate details of European life, inspiring Noor through Gothic architecture, rich lifestyle nuances, and the subtle differences between Syrian and German contemporary art.

Noor Bahjat visiting Syrian artist Tammam Azzam in Berlin

Sputnik Partners played a pivotal role, not just in sustaining her stay but also in introducing her to Parisian art platforms and facilitating connections with European artists and galleries. The experience, while testing her patience in the European art market, offered insights into the importance of free expression and continual artistic evolution.

As Noor prepares to return to Syria, the differences and similarities between the art scenes in Syria and Europe linger in her thoughts. She envisions sharing her experiences, bridging gaps, and infusing the Syrian art community with the wealth of knowledge she gathered on her European artistic expedition. Noor Bahjat Al Masri’s journey transcends borders, weaving a narrative of cultural exchange, collaboration, and personal growth. As her art continues to evolve, the echoes of Europe’s influence resonate through each brushstroke—a testament to the transformative power of artistic exploration across continents.

This article is written by Noor Mounajjed based on input provided by Noor Bahjat about her time spent with Artist Marina Fedorova.