Damascus, Nov. 30 (SANA) — The Damascus Directorate of Education has organized the “Art and Victory” exhibition, bringing together a vibrant collection of student artwork from 13 visual arts centers across the capital. Held on the first anniversary of liberation, the exhibition places young voices and creative expression at the heart of the commemoration.
Ayman Hisham Yassin, director of Damascus Education, described the works as “paintings of joy, hope, and resilience,” noting that each piece carries messages of peace and human connection.
Jalal al-Ghazi, director of the Visual Arts Educational Centers, highlighted the diversity of the exhibition, which spans oil and watercolor paintings, handcrafted wood and cardboard pieces, and a notable selection of artwork made from recycled materials. Alongside the displayed works, the event features drawing sessions, handicrafts, fashion design pieces, and open workshops designed to bring the creative process closer to the public.
Art as Memory, Identity, and Renewal
Among the participating students, Farah al-Zarba presented paintings inspired by Damascus’s layered history and the symbolic resilience of its people. Another student, Obada al-Hanbali, showcased a model of the Khalid Ibn al-Walid Mosque crafted from eco-friendly materials, merging cultural heritage with environmental awareness.
Students from the Mohammed Naji Obeid Center contributed a collective installation titled “A Nation’s Story,” using recycled materials to create an abstract narrative that reflects both historical moments and the imaginative capacities of youth.
Artist Muwaffaq Makhoul, founder of the Fine Arts Centers, emphasized the deeper purpose of arts education, describing art as a means of building emotional intelligence, nurturing tolerance, and strengthening children’s sense of belonging. “Before it is a creative act,” he said, “art is a way of shaping one’s inner world.”
The exhibition’s opening included short documentary screenings highlighting the role of the centers in discovering and supporting young talent, as well as a musical performance by singer Razan al-Qudsi. The event drew a large and enthusiastic audience, underscoring the enduring cultural appetite for artistic expression in Damascus.
