“Colors of hope and Healing”  a collective  exhibition  at Abou Rumaneh Cultural Center

The Ministry of Culture and the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines are currently holding a collective exhibition for paintings entitled Alwan Al-Shifa wa Al –Amal (Colors of hope and Healing) at Abou Rummaneh Cultural center in Damascus.

The exhibition which will last till Thursday the 20th of October displays paintings for more than 50 artists from more than 11 countries, including Philippines, Venezuela, Bangladesh Serbia, Sudan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Greece, Indonesia, Palestine, Pakistan, Syria, members of the Syrian Diplomatic Club, representatives of the embassies of a number of countries, in addition to representatives from the United Nations Housing Development Fund (UNFPA).

Regarding this exhibition and its importance, Mrs. Shukria Miqdad , the Honorary President of the Diplomatic Club in Syria, said to Syria times that “The exhibition is part of many events which embassies in Syria participate in partnership with the local community, and the exhibition is an enjoyable experience ”.

“Arts combine souls, and they form a bridge and deepen ties between peoples”.  Mrs. Shukria Miqdad said.

Chargé d’ affaires Vida Soraya Verzosa of the Philippine Embassy in Syria, said: “We chose the theme of hope and healing, because we believe that through art therapy, we can use these colors in an exercise for self- compassion and inner healing”.

“In celebration of the museums and galleries month of October the Philippine Embassy has prepared several activities for the occasion, culminating in this pioneering art therapy exhibition” Chargé d’ affaires Vida Soraya Verzosa added.

Mrs. Radyanti Fauzi, a participant and a president of Diplomatic Club (DCOS) said: “ Two things that Ms. Vida taught us through this exhibition , meditation and painting. Through meditation, we have a chance to slow down our hectic mind and refocus our mind on something calming, increased concentration and focus”.

Rabab Ahmad, the director of the Arab Cultural Center in Abu Rummaneh, said: “This is the first cooperation with the Philippine Embassy. We hope that it will be the beginning of later events”.

In her turn, Rima Absi, Vice President of the Diplomatic Club told Syria Times: This is my first experience  in painting and mixing  colors . This experience gave me joy and my aim in participating in this event is to be familiar with other works and encourage them”

“Now the Diplomatic club is preparing for a bazaar on the 12th of November in Al-Dama Rose hotel for one day, so that the proceeds of this bazaar will go to the associations that support women who are breadwinners of their family and who care for orphans in the city of Homs” Mrs. Absi said.

Ghada Al-Amin,a member of Diplomatic Club(DCOS)  sees that the experience of painting and mixing colors as very successful .She was able through her paintings to express   her inside feelings and ideas”

Reported by: Nada Haj Khidr

Photos: Nada Haj Khidr