In March 2011 on the wave of enthusiasm provoked by the Arab Spring, the citizens of Syria hit  the streets demanding freedom and respect for the civil rights. Despite the peaceful character of their demonstration, they were surprised by the brutality and violence directed at them by Bashar Al-Assad regime. 

Borders of Syria were closed for international journalists. Syrians started publishing on internet documented events, their comments and reflections. Films published on internet soon got the character of informal information channel, being often the only source of information about the situation in the country. 

Those films in the beginning were simple in form, focused on documenting the protests and the brutal reactions of the regime. But gradually the films evolved in creativity. The films encouraged to comment the events, called for social mobilization, mocked the state-controlled media and simultaneously the films mirrored the dreams and aims of the revolutionaries. Since 2011 the internet has become an important medium of information and the place for the artistic and creative expression of Syrian revolution. 

The exhibition presents videos of eight Syrian visual artists: Madonna Adib, Khalil Younes, Randy Maddah, Ammaa AlBeik, Kevork Mourad, Rami Farah, Khaleda Abdulwahed. Most of them are staying outside of the country, but their works reflect strongly the feelings accompanying the dramatic situation in Syria. The video works  create a common story about the suffering and the fear, as well as, the dreams and efforts to live "normal" live against the circumstances. An installation by young artist - Kate van Dalls-from Gdansk will serve as a particular supplement to video works. 

The idea of the exhibition in Gdansk was borne 2 years ago and we are sorry to conclude that the subject of the exhibition is still topical. The situation in Syria is rapidly changing and the life of the people is getting worse every day. Let's get rid of the bias, let's forget the stereotypes and let's treat this exhibition as our common voice against the brutality and human sufferings.

 

Curators: Charlotte Bank, Anna Zalewska-Andruszkiewicz