(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Raynald C Rivera I The Peninsula
DOHA: Empty cluster bomb and artillery shells that left people dead have been turned into beautiful works of art that symbolise life by Syrian artist and activist Akram Sweidan, photos of which are on display at the 'We Love Life exhibition launched in Katara on Tuesday.
Embellished with vibrant colours and stunning patterns, the bomb and artillery shells shown in 30 photos at the show no longer tell of the lives they claimed but of the Syrian's love for life.
'The artist had endured five years living under siege in the city of Douma in eastern Ghouta in Syria, Hussein Abdullatif, PR and media relations manager at Syrian Embassy, told The Peninsula.
'From the rubble, he would collect the shells of cluster bombs, clean them and paint them to send the message that we love life, that we are embracing life, and now we are organising this exhibition to spread the message of the artist to the whole world, said Abdullatif.
When he was displaced, the Sweidan had to leave all the artworks behind in Douma. He now lives with his family in northern Syria without passport so he couldn't leave his country, he added.
Addressing the opening of the exhibition, Syrian Ambassador Nizar Al Hirakey said 'We Love Life is a slogan that Syrians live for.
'They took to the streets because they love a dignified life in which they sleep safe from any injustices inflicted on them, or harm from those who are supposed to protect them. 'We love life means that a pulse will shake their hearts with every challenge they face in diaspora , said the ambassador.
He said the artist was a civil rights and peace activist who stayed to create art in the most dangerous place in the world that time.
'He eventually was forced to go to Idlib, but unfortunately unable to carry all these artistic pieces. But he carried them as memories. He carried pictures that you will see today, he added.
'I invite you, as you contemplate on these creative images, to think about the message that the artist Akram Sweidan wanted to convey on behalf of the people of Syria everywhere. I invite you to support this message in Syria and throughout the world, so that justice, goodness, and beauty flourish on this earth, he stressed.
'We Love Life exhibition is on show at Building 18, Gallery 2 until October 7.
Three more exhibitions opened on Tuesday at Katara Art Centre, Building 5 including 'National Declaration a collection of eight paintings by Qatari artist Shawq Al Mana, 'Journey from North to South a photography exhibition by Russian artist Maria Ozianikova, and 'Minus 4 Vol. 7 Part 1 by Al Markhiya Gallery featuring paintings by Shadi Aboesada and sculptures by Alaa Abu Shaheen.
The exhibitions were officially opened by Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Sayed, Deputy General Manager of Operations at Katara in the presence of members of the diplomatic community, other dignitaries and artists.
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