War fails to snuff out art of Syrian artists

Artwork done by artists residing in war-torn Syria was featured in the ongoing art fair ArtBahrain in the Kingdom yesterday. Works of art done by artists from Syria was a top attraction in ArtBahrain, which was launched last Monday.

“Artists in Syria are not fazed by the increasingly volatile situation in Syria. Their passion for art push them to create more,” remarked gallerist Samer Kozah, from Damascus in Syria. He has been working in the field of art for many decades. Kozah said his mission was to "safeguard the heritage of Damascus old city."

Commenting that the biggest challenge he faces is of logistical, Kozah said: "We feature experienced artists and young artists. We have painting as well as sculpture. Most of the artists are living in Damascus even now. It is not easy to ship their works from Syria to the rest of the world.”

“We use Beirut in Lebanon as a transit point. We take the paintings from Damascus to Beirut and from there we ship it. All the art works displayed here are new,” he added. Artists and gallerists from around the world are showcasing their art in ArtBahrain, which is being held on Bahrain Bay premises.