Paint and Suffering: A Syrian Artist’s Cry for Help

Middle East / Politics / Arts & Culture / 360° Analysis / Syria

Paint and Suffering: A Syrian Artist’s Cry for Help

19 November 2012
Ashley Lohmann
Syrian artist, Fadia Afashe prepares for her exhibition at the Levantine Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Her paintings depict the pain and suffering she and those around her have experienced during the revolution. But “I still see the hope,” she says in an interview shortly before the opening of her show, “I RISE.” Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
Syrian artist, Fadia Afashe prepares for her exhibition at the Levantine Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Her paintings depict the pain and suffering she and those around her have experienced during the revolution. But “I still see the hope,” she says in an interview shortly before the opening of her show, “I RISE.” Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
Fadia studies her painting, “Under Shelling,” which depicts regime attacks on civilian neighborhoods, such as the one in which her parents reside. Fadia admits that it has been difficult to stay safely in the US while the revolution rages at home, but she believes that she can be a better advocate for the Syrian people here. Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
Fadia studies her painting, “Under Shelling,” which depicts regime attacks on civilian neighborhoods, such as the one in which her parents reside. Fadia admits that it has been difficult to stay safely in the US while the revolution rages at home, but she believes that she can be a better advocate for the Syrian people here. Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
“Touchable.” Fadia’s friend, a 35-year-old mother of two and a creative activist, disappeared in December 2011. The regime has denied that they arrested her. According to Fadia, many Syrian artists—including actors, writers, musicians, and cartoonists—have become public role models for boldly speaking out against the regime. Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
“Touchable.” Fadia’s friend, a 35-year-old mother of two and a creative activist, disappeared in December 2011. The regime has denied that they arrested her. According to Fadia, many Syrian artists—including actors, writers, musicians, and cartoonists—have become public role models for boldly speaking out against the regime. Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
“The Pianist.” The famous Syrian pianist Malek Jandali has composed songs in support of the revolution, including his award-winning composition, “Watani Ana” (I Am My Homeland). As an American citizen and resident, he remains outside of the regime’s reach, but in July 2011, Syrian security forces brutally beat his elderly parents living in Damascus, according to Jandali. Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
“The Pianist.” The famous Syrian pianist Malek Jandali has composed songs in support of the revolution, including his award-winning composition, “Watani Ana” (I Am My Homeland). As an American citizen and resident, he remains outside of the regime’s reach, but in July 2011, Syrian security forces brutally beat his elderly parents living in Damascus, according to Jandali. Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
Fadia’s pain and sorrow after learning of a close relative’s arrest and interrogation fueled her painting, “Interrogation” (left). She still fears for her family’s safety in Damascus and worries that her show in Los Angeles could make them a target for retribution. Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
Fadia’s pain and sorrow after learning of a close relative’s arrest and interrogation fueled her painting, “Interrogation” (left). She still fears for her family’s safety in Damascus and worries that her show in Los Angeles could make them a target for retribution. Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
“Mother.” In the early days of the revolution, Fadia met a mother in Damascus who had seen her son tortured. The mother was still in shock. To Fadia it seemed as if the mother was simply going through the motions of life, as if she had no head. Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
“Mother.” In the early days of the revolution, Fadia met a mother in Damascus who had seen her son tortured. The mother was still in shock. To Fadia it seemed as if the mother was simply going through the motions of life, as if she had no head. Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
“Black Hole.” The regime stripped and imprisoned Fadia’s 28-year-old friend after she led a peaceful demonstration in Damascus. Fadia herself was imprisoned shortly after the revolution began. She was released after a matter of hours, but to her it felt like days. Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
“Black Hole.” The regime stripped and imprisoned Fadia’s 28-year-old friend after she led a peaceful demonstration in Damascus. Fadia herself was imprisoned shortly after the revolution began. She was released after a matter of hours, but to her it felt like days. Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
In Fadia’s “Can’t Be” (left), she and her husband hold each other to feel safe. In her “Transformation” (right), Fadia sits alone, realizing that her ideals give her the power to overcome dictatorship. Despite the hopelessness and frustration she has felt as the conflict continues to take its toll, she confides, “Syria will continue. We will get our freedom no matter what the price will be.” Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
In Fadia’s “Can’t Be” (left), she and her husband hold each other to feel safe. In her “Transformation” (right), Fadia sits alone, realizing that her ideals give her the power to overcome dictatorship. Despite the hopelessness and frustration she has felt as the conflict continues to take its toll, she confides, “Syria will continue. We will get our freedom no matter what the price will be.” Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
Michael Rood, a former intern at the Levantine Cultural Center, studies Fadia’s artwork at her show’s opening night. Fadia hopes that those who see or buy her paintings will spread the word and support her cause: encouraging the US to assist the Syrian opposition. Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
Michael Rood, a former intern at the Levantine Cultural Center, studies Fadia’s artwork at her show’s opening night. Fadia hopes that those who see or buy her paintings will spread the word and support her cause: encouraging the US to assist the Syrian opposition. Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
“His Soul.” Fadia’s final painting in the “I RISE” series portrays the soul of her husband’s cousin who died from torture. Fadia explains that this painting is a fervent cry to the world for help: “His soul [is] asking you to speak out for him... [He’s saying], ‘I died for freedom. What have you done?’” Copyright © Ashley Lohmann
“His Soul.” Fadia’s final painting in the “I RISE” series portrays the soul of her husband’s cousin who died from torture. Fadia explains that this painting is a fervent cry to the world for help: “His soul [is] asking you to speak out for him... [He’s saying], ‘I died for freedom. What have you done?’” Copyright © Ashley Lohmann

Read the article, Paint and Suffering: A Syrian Artist’s Cry for Help, here.

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