Artist Elham Suleiman’s Exhibition Depicts “Post-Retirement Experience”

The Arab Cultural Center in Kfar Soussah in Damascus is currently hosting a painting exhibition for the Syrian artist Dr. Elham Sulieman Shadoud entitled “Post-Retirement”.

In her first solo exhibition, the artist showcases 62 oil, water and acrylic paintings of different sizes depicting nature, love and women and reflecting the artist’s optimistic vision toward life and society.  She also wants to tell people that there is no retirement in art.

“Man is able to give to the last day of his life,” according to Dr. Elham.

Dr. Elham Sulieman Shadoud, who has PhD in Arabic Literature, started drawing in late age after she had retired. She spends her free time in drawing to escape from the troubles of life into beautiful world of colors.

The artist told Syriatimes that she is so excited over holding her first solo exhibition and that her paintings show her long experience in life.

Most of the paintings are charming landscapes inspired by the nature of different countries which the talented artist had visited. “I draw what I like ,to express my inner feeling and I want to depict the beautiful scenes of nature in these countries” Dr.  Elham said.

Some of Elham’s drawings focused on women as strong persons who challenge all hardships.

Women, she said, represent beauty, happiness and power. “I believe that women should never give up to life difficulties , because they are distinguished creatures and they represent the core of life.

In her exhibition, the artist wanted to send a message calling for optimism, happiness, love and for seeing the beautiful side of life.

“The bright colors in my paintings express my dreams and my hope that my country Syria will restore its beauty and peace, “Dr. Elham said.

Interview and photos by : Nada Haj Khidr