Dubai exhibition reflects on Syria's post-Assad transition

Arab News

28-02-2025

DUBAI: From Feb. 9 to March 2, Atelier 14 in Dubai will host '6:18, The DAWN,' a powerful collective exhibition that delves into the cultural and artistic landscape of the Syrian Arabic Republic following the fall of the former president, Bashar Assad.
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This exhibition features the works of eight talented artists, photographers, sculptors and painters, who collectively explore the complex aftermath of more than a decade of civil war.
'6:18, The DAWN' provides a poignant insight into how art can reflect the scars and hopes of a country in transition.
The exhibition is a platform for dialogue and reflection on the fragility of post-conflict societies and the struggle for identity. It is anchored in the tumultuous months following the fall of Assad's regime and shows how, amid this chaos, art has remained an essential outlet for expression and renewal, charting the emotional and social evolution of a country now faced with the task of rebuilding both physically and spiritually, and depicting the tension between destruction and rebirth, chaos and renewal.
One of the show's standout features is the work of renowned French-Syrian photographer Ammar Abd Rabbo, known for his emotionally charged and politically moving work. He presents three photographs that capture the significant shift in Syria's political and cultural landscape. They were taken in Damascus in December, just after the regime's sudden collapse, and each image a unique perspective on those moments of upheaval.
The first features two astronaut suits abandoned on a Damascus pavement.
'These suits were left after an incident where citizens tried to steal items from the president's residence, symbolizing the desperation of a population grappling with the aftermath of years of oppression,' Abd Rabbo told Arab News on opening night. 'The photo captures a surreal scene.'
The second shows a man holding the Syrian flag — a moment of both defiance and of hope for the future. The third depicts a group of people toppling a statue of Assad, a vivid representation of the collapse of the regime and the collective desire for a fresh start.
The work by the other seven artists in the show also point to the possibility of healing and reconstruction, without ignoring the horrors of the past. Through abstract forms, vivid color palettes, and intricate textures, the artists explore the emotional complexities of life in a post-conflict society — grappling with loss, rebuilding, and forging a new collective identity.
Their diverse styles ensure that the exhibition offers a multifaceted view of Syria's cultural evolution. It speaks to the varied experiences of individuals affected by the war, from those who witnessed the conflict first-hand to those abroad who have found creative ways to make sense of the country's developments.
The exhibition also provides a vital opportunity for audiences to engage with the ongoing changes in Syria, offering an understanding of the personal and collective dimensions of war and recovery.
Art, as highlighted in '6:18, The DAWN,' serves not only as a form of healing but also as an essential medium for documenting history and inspiring hope.