Damascus, July 6 (SANA) Syrian visual artist Marah Tayfour opened her first exhibition in Damascus on Sunday, showcasing 26 collage works created from newspaper clippings in a new artistic experiment at the Arab Cultural Center in Abu Rummaneh.
Titled Compositions from My Homeland, the exhibition explores themes including Syrian cultural heritage, Sufi symbolism and abstract expression through a technique that replaces traditional oil painting with layered newspaper fragments.
Several works depict landmarks from the artist’s hometown of Hama, including its iconic waterwheels, archaeological sites, old markets and mosque minarets. Others portray symbols of Damascus, such as the Umayyad Mosque, the Damascene sword, the city’s churches and its historic houses.
The collection also includes works inspired by Palestine, featuring Jerusalem, the Dome of the Rock, Al-Aqsa Mosque and traditional Palestinian dress, as well as paintings of the historic town of Maaloula and artworks promoting coexistence among Syrians.
One painting, Liberation, depicts scenes associated with Syria’s liberation from the deposed regime, including the breaking of prison chains, the release of detainees and public celebrations. Another, Life, portrays aspects of Syrians’ daily social life.
Speaking to SANA, Tayfour said the exhibition aims to introduce collage as an alternative artistic technique capable of telling a complete visual story through newspaper clippings rather than conventional painting methods.
She said most of the works draw inspiration from Syrian heritage, while others address national and regional issues, including the Palestinian cause and a work inspired by President Ahmad al-Sharaa’s victory speech.
Tayfour said exhibiting in Damascus carries particular significance because the capital remains Syria’s main cultural center. She added that growing support for the visual arts has contributed to increased artistic activity and exhibitions across the country.
The artist said she has practiced art for about a decade, beginning with traditional painting before turning to collage, which she described as offering greater creative freedom and broader opportunities for artistic expression.
R A H / ABD
