Between: syria

Showing posts with label syria. Show all posts

Tuesday, 12 March 2024

Artlyst: Issam Kourbaj Kettle’s Yard And Heong Gallery Cambridge

My latest exhibition review for Artlyst is on Issam Kourbaj: Urgent Archive at Kettle’s Yard, with its concurrent exhibition ‘You are not you, and home is not home’ at Heong Gallery:

'As Andrew Nairne and Graham Virgo state in their joint Foreword to the catalogue, Kourbaj’s achievement is not simply his “remarkable artistic breadth” in creating work “so full of invention and purpose that its images and ideas reverberate well beyond the walls of any gallery” but his ability ‘to make us look, pause and imagine” that we might “consider our responsibility for the condition of others on our shared planet”.'

For more on Issam Kourbaj click here.

Interviews -

Monthly diary articles -

Articles/Reviews -

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Iona - Edge Of The World.

Tuesday, 10 January 2017

The Divine Image - Private view

Hannah Thomas has first-hand knowledge of the refugee crisis through the art project for Syrian children living in refugee camps in Jordan, organised with the support of Relief International. The first canvas painted in Za’atari camp was an expression of the children’s experience of war. After a number of groups of boys and girls had painted on it, the canvas had become an abstract chaos of splashes of red paint, dark colours and layers of the children’s drawings of tanks, soldiers, dead bodies, planes and destroyed homes. It is a small glimpse of all that the children witnessed in war-torn Syria. Hannah’s artwork humanises individuals forced to flee their homes, whose personal stories are otherwise shrouded by statistics. In these images we see the human cost of the war in Syria and of our treatment of those made refugees.

The Divine Image is the third exhibition at St Stephen Walbrook in the past 12 months to focus our thoughts on the issues underlying the Refugee crisis. Michael Takeo Magruder created a digital installation Lamentation for the Forsaken which juxtaposed the sufferings of the Syrian peoples in our own day with the death of Christ. In this way Michael reminded us that Christ's death is symptomatic of all suffering throughout time. Michael evoked the memory of Syrians who have passed away in the present conflict by weaving their names and images into a contemporary Shroud of Turin. His work offered “a lamentation not only for the forsaken Christ, but others who have felt his acute pain of abandonment.” Then to celebrate the Finissage of ‘The Shadow of Angels’ exhibition by Brazilian artist Kim Poor in the autumn, we presented a very special evening with perfomances by the celebrated Aleppo-born concert pianist Riyad Nicolas and up and coming singer/songwriter Katya DJ. The fact that Riyad came from Syria was the prompt to use that evening as an opportunity to express concern at the bloodshed in that country and to raise funds which may in some small way provide a measure of the healing about which this exhibition has led us to reflect.

Five years of conflict has had devastating effects on the people of Syria. The situation is shocking. Half the country is displaced and more than 4.6 million people are now refugees. More than 400,000 people have been killed. Christian Aid is working with Syrians in Lebanon and Iraq, providing support to some of the most vulnerable refugees, including women who have experienced gender-based violence, and those with disabilities.

Six-year-old Hammoudi was born in Damascus with complex physical and mental disabilities. He was given two life-saving operations by the Syrian health service, but his third operation was cancelled when violence overtook the country. More than one in five refugees suffer from some form of impairment, whether from birth, illness, accident, or a conflict-related injury. Syrian refugees with disabilities often can't get the care they need. Now, with the help of donations to Christian Aid and the work of their partner, Lebanese Physically Handicapped Union (LPHU), Hammoudi has learned to walk for the first time.

Layan is a Syrian refugee living in Lebanon. Sadly, like many Syrian women, she's a victim of domestic violence. During times of conflict, women and girls are at greater risk of sexual and domestic violence. Layan now regularly visits Kafa, a Lebanese organisation that supports women who have experienced, or are at risk of violence. She said: 'Kafa helped me to get out of the awful situation I was in. I feel that there are people who care and worry about me.' Kafa successfully helped to lobby the Lebanese government to pass a law criminalising domestic violence. The law also applies to Syrian refugees.

These are the kind of people and situations that your donations to Christian Aid’s Syria Crisis Appeal can help to address. Please donate using the red Emergency Appeal envelopes.

I also encourage you look at the website for Capital Mass, which aims to engage and support every parish in the Diocese of London in tackling poverty and inequality. The Diocese of London commissioned Capital Mass through the awarding of a grant, to co-ordinate and draw together local and diocesan wide responses into the immediate and long term needs caused by and brought to our attention through, the Syrian Refugee Crisis. The Capital Mass website therefore has lots of ideas for making a difference here, as well as abroad.

Let us pray …

Wilderness God, your Son was a displaced person in Bethlehem, a refugee in Egypt, and had nowhere to lay his head in Galilee. Bless all who have nowhere to lay their head today, who find themselves strangers on earth, pilgrims to they know not where, facing rejection, closed doors, suspicion and fear. Give them companions in their distress, hope in their wandering, and safe lodging at their journey’s end. And make us a people of grace, wisdom and hospitality, who know that our true identity is to be lost, until we find our eternal home in you. Through Christ our rejected yet risen Lord. Amen

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Riyad Nicolas - Danse De Laila.

Wednesday, 26 October 2016

Angels for Peace

Yesterday we celebrated the finissage of The Shadow of Angels by Kim Poor at St. Stephen Walbrook. Our musical programme for the evening featured Syrian concert pianist Riyad Nicolas and up-and-coming singer/songwriter Katya DJ. The concert was in support of those in crisis in Syria - see Christian Aid's Syria Crisis Appeal.

Edward Lucie Smith and I spoke before the concert. I said the following:

Kim Poor’s art consistently plays with veils of light and colour to evoke mystical atmospheres. Dali thought that to look at her paintings was as if to 'look through coloured gauze', which inspired him to coin the term 'Diaphanism' for her style. So there is much in these paintings that seems to depict a beautiful otherness – one of flowing curves and circling flourishes – yet there is also an engagement with the shattered, splintered experiences of tragedy. This comes most notably in Rosa de Hiroshima, an image of resilience drawn from reflection on Vinicius de Moraes’ poem of the same name. Here, the angel representing the Rose of Hiroshima stands with an indomitable spirit.

Themes of healing and guidance abound in these works, however, which implies a world in need of both. I have been particularly struck over the course of this exhibition by Stigmata, as, while, blood flows from one of the angel’s hands, the other holds stalks of grain. That makes this image a Eucharistic image, as, in the Eucharist, blood is re-presented as wine and grain re-presented as bread. The posture of the angel in Stigmata is the exact same posture as that of the angel in The Healer meaning that we can associate, in this image, the Eucharist with healing. We live in a wounded world where roses are torrid and radioactive, yet there is a source of healing which is found in the bread and wine of the Eucharist.

With that thought in mind it is perhaps appropriate that we are gathered around Henry Moore’s altar tonight, although we have not gathered to celebrate the Eucharist, and also that Stigmata has been positioned in this exhibition to overlook the altar.

To celebrate the Finissage of ‘The Shadow of Angels’ exhibition, we’re presenting a very special evening with perfomances by the celebrated Aleppo-born concert pianist Riyad Nicolas and up and coming singer/songwriter Katya DJ. The fact that Riyad comes from Syria has been the prompt to use this evening as an opportunity to express concern at the bloodshed in that country and to raise funds which may in some small way provide a measure of the healing about which this exhibition has led us to reflect.

Five years of conflict has had devastating effects on the people of Syria. The situation is shocking. Half the country is displaced and more than 4.6 million people are now refugees. More than 400,000 people have been killed.

Christian Aid is working with Syrians in Lebanon and Iraq, providing support to some of the most vulnerable refugees, including women who have experienced gender-based violence, and those with disabilities.

Six-year-old Hammoudi was born in Damascus with complex physical and mental disabilities. He was given two life-saving operations by the Syrian health service, but his third operation was cancelled when violence overtook the country.

More than one in five refugees suffer from some form of impairment, whether from birth, illness, accident, or a conflict-related injury. Syrian refugees with disabilities often can't get the care they need.

Now, with the help of donations to Christian Aid and the work of their partner, Lebanese Physically Handicapped Union (LPHU), Hammoudi has learned to walk for the first time.

Layan is a Syrian refugee living in Lebanon. Sadly, like many Syrian women, she's a victim of domestic violence. During times of conflict, women and girls are at greater risk of sexual and domestic violence. Layan now regularly visits Kafa, a Lebanese organisation that supports women who have experienced, or are at risk of violence.

She said: 'Kafa helped me to get out of the awful situation I was in. I feel that there are people who care and worry about me.' Kafa successfully helped to lobby the Lebanese government to pass a law criminalising domestic violence. The law also applies to Syrian refugees.

These are the kind of people and situations that your donations can help to address. We hope that you will enjoy angelic performances tonight from Riyad Nicholas and Katya DJ, but also hope that you can be angels of peace and angels of healing by giving generously to support refugees from Riyad’s mother country.

CONCERT PROGRAMME

KATYA DJ

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RIYAD NICOLAS – Piano

Sonata K466 in F Minor
Domenico Scarlatti

Sonata K455 in G Major
Domenico Scarlatti

Sonata No 31 Opus 110 in A Flat Major
- Moderato Cantabile Molto Espressivo
- Allegro Molto
- Adagio Ma Non Troppo / Fuga; Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Ludwig von Beethoven

Polonaise Fantasie Opus 61 in A Flat
Frédéric Chopin

‘Scarbo’ from Gaspard de la Nuit
Maurice Ravel

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Katya DJ - Far From Gone.

Tuesday, 25 October 2016

Angels for Peace

We do hope you'll be able to join us on Tuesday evening, 25th October, to celebrate the finissage of The Shadow of Angels. Our musical programme for the evening features Syrian concert pianist Riyad Nicolas and up-and-coming singer/songwriter Katya DJ.

For those who couldn't make it along to the opening you'll find a link below to a short film of what was a memorable evening of art, music and dance!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raRin_Kt40I&feature=youtu.be

The finissage will open at 6pm with the concert at 7.45. The concert is in support of those in crisis in Syria - see Christian Aid's Syria Crisis Appeal.

CONCERT PROGRAMME
St. Stephen Walbrook 25th October 2016

KATYA DJ

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RIYAD NICOLAS – Piano

Sonata K466 in F Minor
Domenico Scarlatti

Sonata K455 in G Major
Domenico Scarlatti

Sonata No 31 Opus 110 in A Flat Major
- Moderato Cantabile Molto Espressivo
- Allegro Molto
- Adagio Ma Non Troppo / Fuga; Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Ludwig von Beethoven

Polonaise Fantasie Opus 61 in A Flat
Frédéric Chopin

‘Scarbo’ from Gaspard de la Nuit
Maurice Ravel

Katya DJ is a 22 year-old London based singer/songwriter. Influenced by artists such as Amy Winehouse and Beth Hart, her sound incorporates elements of jazz/ blues influenced pop and she has been described as "... the best new artist I've heard since Adele." She has performed at various venues around London including The Troubadour, Chelsea Arts Club, The Pheasantry and Ronnie Scott's and also at Somerset Series at Somerset House and other festivals this summer. Katya graduated from the University of Oxford in 2015 with a BA in Music and has recently completed a Masters (MMus) in Popular Music Performance at BIMM (British and Irish Modern Music Institute) in conjunction with the University of West London.

Riyad Nicolas is one of the most exciting young artists to emerge from the Middle East. “Syria’s leading young pianist” (International Piano Magazine 2012), was born in Aleppo, Syria, in 1989, and has already established himself as a leading figure of his generation on the international performing circuit. He has won numerous international prizes and awards including First Prize at the Norah Sande Award in the UK, the Christopher Duke Recital Prize in the UK, the Ciutat de Carlet International Piano Competition in Spain, and First Prize, with a recording contract, at The Francaix International Piano Competition in Paris, Top Prize at the 1st Syria National Piano Competition and was selected to be a Tillett Trust Young Artist in 2012 and an artist at the Countess of Munster Trust Concert Scheme in 2014.

Riyad graduated with a distinction in a Master of Performance course at the Royal College of Music, studying with Dmitri Alexeev and Vanessa Latarche, as a Steinway Scholar supported by a Frederick Johnston Award. He first came to London in 2005 when he was awarded a two-year scholarship to study at the Purcell School of Music with Sulamita Aronovsky, continuing to work with her at the Royal Academy of Music, where he graduated in 2011. He has participated in masterclasses and was complimented by such musicians as Daniel Barenboim, Vladimir Ashkenazy and John Lill.

His first appearance as a soloist with an orchestra was made at age ten in Aleppo. Since then he has performed with many orchestras, including the London Chamber Orchestra at the Cadogan Hall, Emirate Symphony Orchestra in Dubai, Young Musician Symphony Orchestra at St. John's Smith Square, the Syrian National Symphony Orchestra at the opening of the new Damascus Opera House, as well as with the Gomidas Chamber Orchestra of Aleppo. Riyad has given solo recitals in many prestigious venues in London, including The Royal Albert Hall, Cadogan Hall, Wigmore Hall, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, St. James’s Piccadilly, and Leighton House. He is regularly invited to give recitals hosted by the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe and the Chopin Society UK and has also been invited to perform in numerous UK musical festivals such as Harrogate, Norfolk-Norwich, King’s Lynn, Brighton, Devon, Darlington, Stratford-upon-Avon, Lincoln, Crediton, and Eastbourne. Concert performances have also taken him to France, Spain, Switzerland, USA (including a debut at Kennedy Centre in Washington) and some Arab States.

He has been invited to play for many fundraising concerts especially for Syria from various prestigious organizations such as The International Rescue Commitee, The UN refugee Agency,The Arab British Centre amongst many others.

“... this paragon of pianistic prestidigitation ... setting a new gold standard",
“… he had given a prodigious recital which rose head and shoulders above everything else we have heard this year”, “... every aspect of his performance ... melding all together into an indissoluble unity of conception.”
Beethoven Piano Society of Europe.

*Riyad gratefully acknowledges the support of Said Foundation, Asfari Foundation, Countess of Munster Trust, Talent unlimited and Help Musicians UK Fleming Award.

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Riyad Nicolas - Emperor Concerto 1st movement.

Wednesday, 19 October 2016

Angels for Peace

To celebrate the Finissage of Kim Poor’s exhibition ‘The Shadow of Angels’, we’re presenting a very special evening – ANGELS FOR PEACE – at St Stephen Walbrook with perfomances by the celebrated Aleppo-born concert pianist Riyad Nicolas and up and coming singer/songwriter Katya D’Janoeff. The Finissage will run from 6pm with music from 7.45pm.

One of the most exciting young artists to emerge from the Middle East. Riyad Nicolas was born in Aleppo, Syria, in 1989. “Syria’s leading young pianist” (International Piano Magazine 2012) was born in Aleppo, Syria, in 1989, and has already established himself as a leading figure of his generation on the international performing circuit. Among his recent achievements he lists First Prize at the Francaix International Piano Competition in Paris and his débuts at the Royal Albert Hall, Wigmore Hall and the Cadogan Hall in London and the Kennedy Centre in Washington.

‘Syria’s leading young pianist … A fine account of Debussy’s Images Book I … Jean Francaix work delivered with Gallic Charm, and some superb Messiaen.’
International Piano

Katya DJ is 22 year-old London based singer/songwriter. Influenced by artists such as Amy Winehouse and Beth Hart, her sound incorporates elements of jazz/ blues influenced pop and she has been described as “… the best new artist I’ve heard since Adele.”

She has performed at various venues around London including The Troubadour, Chelsea Arts Club, The Pheasantry and Ronnie Scott’s and also at Somerset Series at Somerset House and other festivals this summer. Katya graduated from the University of Oxford in 2015 with a BA in Music and has recently completed a Masters (MMus) in Popular Music Performance at BIMM (British and Irish Modern Music Institute) in conjunction with the University of West London.

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Riyad Nicolas - Danse de laila.