45 works of art displayed Within the first exhibition of the art of engraving and printing in Syria

With their little fingertips, 37 children and adolescents created drawings and engravings of various themes and styles within an art exhibition, the first of its kind in Syria, on the art of engraving and printing for adolescents, which was held by Shaghaf Studio in Damascus.

The exhibition, which was held in cooperation with Zawaya Gallery, included more than 45 artistic works, with topics varying between nature and portraiture, and it was the result of a workshop and continuous training for long hours that continued during the summer vacation.

In a statement to SANA News Agency , the director of the artist’s Shaghaf Studio, Reem Al-Hayek, said: “The exhibition is the first of its kind in Syria with the participation of young people in one of the academic specializations in the College of Fine Arts, which is the art of engraving and printing. She pointed out that the art of engraving and printing requires high precision and extreme attention, especially when Using engraving machines, and here the biggest challenge was in providing young people with the opportunity to engage in this unique artistic experience.”

On his part, visual artist Muhammad Al-Olabi pointed out: “What distinguishes this exhibition is the honesty and spontaneity that was present in the paintings of the participating young people, which came to break the prevailing stereotypes and revive the common sense evident in their artistic works.”

While the visual artist Rawan Odeh explained:”When the technique of engraving and printing was presented to children and young people and the moment they began to learn and practice it, it took on a spontaneous, honest and bold dimension, indicating that it was a very beautiful experience.”

The paintings of the children and teenagers participating in the exhibition expressed their visions and the efforts they made, as the teenager Masa Babel explained that this was her first participation with Shaghaf Studio, through which she embodied silent nature in her own style.

While the young artist, Naya Alwan, explained that she learned through her experience with the studio a passion for realistic drawing despite her tendency to draw “anime,” as it enriched her experience in observing reality and making it the subject of her paintings, in which she embodied Greek statues using the method of drawing and engraving.

As for the artist Nassib Rizk, he explained that he learned a lot in Shaghaf’s studio, including drawing silent nature and animals, sending a message to children and young people interested in drawing to try and draw everything, as this will make them professional artists in the future.”

The participating artist, Sarah Al-Khani, said:” My experience in the Shaghaf studio added a lot to me, as I learned the art of engraving, printing, and portrait, and I chose to draw the painting “Old Woman” due to the many details represented by the wrinkles, which helped me in the engraving process to highlight them.”

Participant Judy Al-Hajli added: That this is her fourth participation with Shaghaf Studio through her collection of paintings under the title “The Rose”, explaining that what she learned this year is the art of sculpture and printing.

As for the children and adolescents participating in the exhibition, they are: Amir Abu Halawa, Jamil Nasri, Muhammad Al-Hanawi, Ward Al-Dahul, AyaMarayati, Ali Rajeh, Julia Attia, LuliaSaati, Aram Mustafa, ZeinaShabaan, Masa Shaaban, Lulia Al-Maghrabi, Judy Hajli, Tim. Qwaider, Zainab Sandooq, Shams Quntar, Omar Taqi Al-Din, Bishr Karbouj, Salma Jamal, Shahd Jamal, Lillian Al-Arnaout, Lemar Al-Farra, Maryam Al-Khabaz, Rayan Bazna, Masa Al-Asali, Sham Sheikh Al-Kar, Juri Zarifa, Naya Al-Ali, Nassib Rizk, Maya Al-Sakkal, May Murad, Layal Murad, Sana Bakdash, Taim Al-Salmouni, Sarah Al-Khani, Masa Babel, Naya Alwan.

It is noteworthy that the techniques of the art of engraving and printing (graphic arts) are one of the techniques of plastic art, and the term graphic generally means those lines drawn, engraved, or printed on a variety of surfaces, including cloth, paper, wood, metal, and others.

Leen Al Salman