Syrian Embroidery Exhibition by the German artist Heika Weber 

Damascus (ST) – “For We Need Hope, Love and Colors” was the title of an exhibition inaugurated recently in Zawaya Gallery in Damascus by the German artist Heika Weber.

The exhibition showcases artworks of about 50 women working within the “Anah” project, including handicrafts and homemade accessories, in addition to embroidered panels documenting the prevailing traditions in the countryside, which were characterized by the bright colors and drawings of real-life features in the Syrian villages. 

Weber indicated that she focused on embroidered clothes in particular with the aim of preserving this attractive type of Syrian heritage.

She stressed that the exhibition contains many types of stitches and designs, including the Bukhari stitch which enjoys a special Syrian touch, the Milan stitch as well as the Crossbish stitch that is famous in many Arab countries. She pointed out that these stitches tell the stories and traditions of peoples. 

The director of Zawaya Gallery, Rula Suleiman, stated that the exhibition’ peculiarity stemmed from the fact that it comes few days before Mother’s Day and it presents the colors of joy during a period of pain experienced by the Syrian people after the catastrophe of the earthquake.

It is noteworthy that the German artist Heika Weber has lived in Syria since 1982. She stayed in old Damascus and opened her own project based on teaching embroidery. She is now working on a project to preserve and develop the Syrian heritage in this field. 

Weber also owns a special book documenting the language of embroidery in the region.

The exhibition continues until the 11th of this month.

Najla Khoury