The Syrian Art Artists

Fleeing from Syria, connected through art.

Much of their work has been lost or burned in their home country. They made a new start in Enschede, their current residence. And now they have The Syrian Art Exhibition in Groningen at Forma Aktua.

Habib Gouriye

Habib Gouriye (Syria, 1957) obtained his bachelor's degree in Syria. He came to the Netherlands as a refugee in 1985 and completed his studies at the AKI ArtEZ Academy in 1991. Habib creates paintings, sculptures, and graphic works, including lithography and linocut. His work is influenced by modern European art. His colorful abstract compositions simultaneously tell an ancient story about his Syrian mother tongue, one of the oldest languages that exist. The characters from the alphabet form the basis of his work.

“People think they see abstract work, but I depict my mother tongue,” says Habib. He has had multiple exhibitions, both solo and group shows, in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and three times in Sweden, through Suroyo TV, the Syrian TV.

Elias Al Hamwi

Elias Al Hamwi (Syria, 1952) graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Damascus in 1979, specializing in Visual Communication. He works in the field of painting, focusing on human figures and relationships in an expressive style that is close to realism. He has participated in various exhibitions and art events both in Syria and abroad, with his works exhibited in Syria, Germany, and France. Additionally, Elias has taught at universities and institutes in Syria and has worked as an illustrator for children's books, magazines, and schoolbooks. He also has experience in the advertising and graphic sectors.

Barsoum Barsouma

Barsoum Barsouma (Al-Hasakah, Syria, 1947) graduated in 1977 from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Damascus, specializing in painting and visual arts. He worked as an expert in decoration and restoration at the Directorate of Antiquities and Museums in Damascus. He also taught art education at the teacher training institute in Al-Hasakah and painting and visual arts at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Damascus. The colors red and yellow are always present in Barsouma's paintings, reflecting his surroundings and the legacy of colors on the Syrian island and its radiant sun. They give his artistic work an element of vitality and strength, opening a broad horizon of contemplation and intimacy between the characters and scenes in his paintings. The details spread across the surface of the work evoke a strong sense of carnival and festivity, whether arising from joy or sorrow.

Barsouma is a member of the Syrians and Arabs Fine Art Union and has been honored multiple times by the Syrian Association of Fine Arts and the Taha AlTaha Museum in Raqa. He has held numerous exhibitions inside and outside Syria, with his works found in many Arab, European, and American countries. Recently, he has held several exhibitions in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium.

Jack Eliya

Jack Eliya (Al-Malikiyah, Syria, 1957) graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Damascus in 1984, specializing in Visual Communication. He has experience as an art teacher and has held both solo and group exhibitions in Syria and abroad. His artistic painting style is abstract.

In addition to his work in theater and set design, he has produced some literary pieces and received first prize for his design at Zorgcentrum de Posten (Enschede).

Gorge Miro

Gorge Miro (Syria, Hasakah, 1958) graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts in Damascus in 1980. He has held exhibitions both in Syria and abroad, including two solo exhibitions and a group exhibition in the Netherlands. He utilizes graphic art in his works, with a stark black-and-white aesthetic. These small works depict mountains and deserts. His big dream is to hold a solo exhibition with 150 works about Enschede.

“Wherever I am, it is the environment that inspires me…”

Exhibition Information:

Period: From October 9 to November 10, 2024
Opening of the exhibition: Saturday, October 12 at 16:00 by Mark van Loon
Music by Rani Elias and delicious Syrian snacks

Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 13:00 to 17:00
Admission free

Gallery Forma Aktua

For decades, Forma Aktua Pinakotheek has served as a platform for all emerging talent in Northern Netherlands. At the same time, the gallery closely follows developments in the world of more established artists.

Location

Forma Aktua
Nieuwstad 10
Tel: 050 3133342
www.forma-aktua.nl