Describe the main features of the measure/initiative:
Syria: Into the Light, on view from 9 March until 3 April 2017 was the Atassi Foundation’s largest-ever exhibition and its first in the MENA region. The show also marked Alserkal Avenue’s inauguration of Concrete, a multi-disciplinary, multi-purpose event venue designed by the Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), founded by Rem Koolhaas. Curated by Mouna Atassi, Founder of Atassi Foundation, in collaboration with writer and curator Rasha Salti, the show was based on the theme of ‘Portraits and Figures’ and included more than 60 works by over 40 artists illustrating the landscape of Syrian art from 1924 up to 2016. Through this theme, the exhibition highlighted the trajectories and shifts of art movements in Syria and its socio-cultural histories, from the early 20th century until the present day, representing different movements, techniques and mediums.
Entities engaged in implementation: Modern Art Symposium: Alserkal, Atassi Foundation, Art Dubai
Website of the measure/initiative, if available:
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the measure/initiative?:
• Attendance: 10,000
• Promoted awareness of modern art in our region
• Promoted awareness of art from the Middle East
The timing of the exhibition was designed to be in line with Art Dubai so that international arts audiences would have the opportunity to learn about Syrian art, its influences and its impact.