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

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

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.

March 24th 2018 – Stay Tuned as SAFIR Officially Launches at Art Dubai!

Much has been done over the past three years when SAFIR was created as a project to support young Syrian artists all over the world and to further the international representation of Syrian and Middle Eastern Art practices.

Today SAFIR works to support 16 young Syrian artists through the creation of workshops, mentorship programs and more recently language scholarships to support their capacity building in three main focus areas: Thought Process, Expression and Outreach.

At the launch, vice president of MASSYR, Hala Khayat, will talk about the progress SAFIR has made so far and its primary role as a non-profit that supports Syrian Artists internationally. Three SAFIR artists currently present in Dubai will also share their experiences and the ways in which SAFIR has helped further the development of their artistic career.  And to wrap it off, two of SAFIR’s current Ambassadors will talk about their  planned activities for 2018.