SYRIA: Syrian and International sculptors take part in Syria's first international wood sculpture symposium

Record ID: 279333

  • Title: SYRIA: Syrian and International sculptors take part in Syria's first international wood sculpture symposium
  • Date: 11th June 2010
  • Summary: VARIOUS OF THE SYMPOSIUM
  • Embargoed: 26th June 2010 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment / Showbiz
  • Reuters ID: LVA33U5Y5FKKUN8QPMUUH48O9VZR
  • Story Text: Syria hosted its first International Wood Sculpture Symposium, which kicked off in Damascus on June 1.
    Twelve sculptors from Syria, Cyprus, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Georgia and Spain are participating in the event and working on their pieces at the symposium venue at the historic Citadel of Damascus.
    The aim of the symposium is to exchange ideas and experiences between artists.
    Akhtam Abdul Hamid, a Syrian Sculptor and the main organiser of the symposium, said the forum had attracted more artists than he had expected, saying the historic nature of the venue had drawn a lot of interest.
    "The sculpturing symposiums provide the best platform to meet and co-exist amongst the artists. They see each other and understand each others cultures. It is a chance for us exchange cultures," he said.
    The citadel, which is a large medieval palace in the old city, is one of the most important monuments in the Syrian capital. It was the first time the venue was used to host such an event. The workshop is taking place under the patronage of Syrian Minister of Culture Riad Naasan Agha.
    German Sculptor Tania Roder who has participated in several such events around the world, said it was good to communicate and liaise with other artists from around the globe.
    She said, "It's very important and very good for artists because normally we work alone in our studios, so it's good to speak to one another and to communicate about the art, and to see a new country, and to learn and see how other sculptors work. It gives you a lot of experience."
    There has been a recent trend in Syria to host various sculpture workshops, aiming to encourage a surge in Syrian sculptural art and to introduce its citizen to the highly regarded skill. The current workshop is the first to tackle sculpture on wood.
    The symposium continues until June 12, and the pieces will be displayed at a Damascus gallery once completed, with the hope of attracting art collectors from across the country.
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