This exhibition, billed as a ‘manifesto of hope’, is a rare ray of light in the landscape of despair that is Syria today. A collaboration of international museums and private collections it puts on show 40 artefacts covering five millennia, from 3,000 BC to the present day. Highlights range from the carved ivory head of a lion from ca. 800-900 BC to works by contemporary Syrian artists that merge personal experiences with reflections on modern-day Syria.
The diversity of cultures in Syria, Mesopotamian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Persian, Ottoman, and Arab, have all contributed to the world’s heritage. Present threats to Syria’s monuments have led to calls for such destruction to be a war crime – a form of cultural genocide. One section highlights work currently underway to document major monuments and sites. A related two-day symposium also offers talks on the architectural heritage of Syria, post-conflict Syria, and performances by Syrian-born artists and musicians.
Until February 27th, 2017 at the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto, Canada
