Syrian Artist Hiyam Salman’s Fabric Artworks Turned into Scarfs in Japan
“Art is creativity , beauty, love, sincerity, freedom and a very important message through which a person can express his feelings in a way that neither language nor body movements can reflect. Art is the air which we breathe and keeps us alive” Artist Mrs. Haiyam Salman said in an interview with the Syriatimes e-newspaper.
The artist took part in the Middle East Bazar for Arab products ( X mas Arabian Bazar ) recently held in Kyoto in Japan with the participation of a number of Arab countries including Syria, Yemen and Palestine .
The Bazar, which was organized by YDY ( my hand) -Bridge project, displayed a wide variety of traditional Arab handmade products such as Syrian olive oil and soap, traditional clothes, artworks , accessories , drinks and Arabic coffee .
The x mas Arabian bazar, which witnessed a remarkable turn out , was characterized by showcasing artist Salman’s fabric artworks and which were turned later into scarves manufactured with high Japanese quality and technique.
To shed light on this unique participation by a prominent Syrian artist, Mrs. Hiyam Salman told Syriatimes “ YDY –bridge project is an integrated project as it combines civil society, marketing and reviving culture. It seeks to achieve the idea “with my hand, I create my future”. YDY project is a wonderful and distinguished project which supports marketing traditional handicraft products” .
She indicated that YDY project was founded by the Japanese business woman Yuki Yasuda, who owns a shop to market accessories made of gemstones by skilled hands . Mrs. Salman underlined that YDY project began in Iraq during the Iraqi war . Then when brutal war waged against Syria, the project targeted Syrian women, who were subjected to difficult conditions , through marketing their traditional handcrafts works .
Concerning her participation in the X mas Arabian Bazar the artist said “ the bazar was an important step to spread Syrian art . I believe that my fabric artworks showcased in the bazar formed a cultural bridge between Syria and Japan “.
“ My artworks are characterized by using recycled pieces of cloth. Mrs. Yuki Yasuda was very impressed with my fabric artworks and chose three to turn them into scarves” artist Salman expressed.
“ The first painting shows a tree and a woman with a crow standing on her shoulder whispering in her ear constantly. The painting has many indications . The woman in the painting symbolizes the patient, proud , generous and steadfast Syrian woman ,who despite the difficulties and stress she faced, continues her life steadily, and forcefully without paying attention to what the crow says” she said.
The artist added that Syrian women never give up their principles and rights. The tree in the fabric artwork symbolizes giving, continuity and renewal of life.
“The province of Lattakia is famous for its beautiful and charming nature, so I sought through my two other fabric art works to describe nature and the reflections of the color of sky on the sea at sunset in Al-Basit area in Lattakia countryside “ Artist Salman said.
“ As a Syrian artist I am very proud that my fabric art works are turned into scarves which will be distributed all over the world to address a message to the world that Syrians are still able to spread the energy of joy, hope, life at the world level despite the unjust blockade imposed on our country” She expressed.
She stressed the fact that Syria is rich in every thing and as an artist she hopes to shed light on Syrian heritage through her fabric artworks.
“Art is part of our national identity. Art protects the soul, the mind, and all our emotions. It affects every atom of the human being, as it reflects and creates an artwork and a new idea. There is a state of continuous development in art to express your vision of life and your interaction “ Artist Salman concluded.
It is noteworthy to say that artist Hiyam Salman was born in Lattakia and is a member of the Plastic Artists Union. She participated in a number of exhibitions. Her distinguished artworks were distributed in a number of Arab and foreign countries including the USA, France, Japan, Germany and Lebanon.
Interviewed by : Rawaa Ghanam
Photos by : Rawaa Ghanam