Echos of Elsewhere," a solo exhibition by the renowned Syrian artist Noor Bahjat. Opening on 16th
January 2025, this exhibition transforms the gallery space into a realm where memory, urban
landscapes, and the intangible threads of identity converge. The exhibition will be curated by
Christina Kirkham and take place on the ground floor of Centro Capital Centre by Rotana in the
ADNEC area of Abu Dhabi.
Noor Bahjat’s eleven artworks traverse the blurred edges of reality, presenting layered
compositions that invite quiet contemplation from the audience. Her paintings evoke whispers of
lost cities and fractured histories, drawing visitors into an enigmatic exploration of longing and
resilience. Using vivid textures and dynamic contrasts, Bahjat’s canvases capture the duality of
light and shadow, revealing intricate worlds beneath their surfaces. Each piece invites the viewer
to step closer, uncover what lies hidden, and interpret the untold stories within.
The works featured in "Echoes of Elsewhere" defy conventional boundaries and challenge
perceptions. Among them are pieces that unveil vibrant urban scenes obscured by darkness,
scraped back into visibility to hint at truths buried beneath the weight of time and turmoil.
Collages reconstruct the artist’s fragmented memories of Damascus, layered with words of peace
and unity, serving as a fragile testament to its enduring spirit. Circular compositions merge
architecture, nature, and the ethereal, suggesting a dreamlike harmony where boundaries
dissolve. Subdued cityscapes depict the contrast between thriving European metropolises and the
unseen sacrifices of displaced communities, inviting a meditation on exploitation and resilience.
Bahjat’s creative process mirrors the emotional intensity of her themes. Her works begin as
meticulous creations, only to be veiled in darkness and rediscovered through destruction, leaving
traces of both loss and revelation. This act of reconstructing what has been obscured transcends
visual storytelling, employing texture, colour, and form as evocative languages of their own.
“Through this collection, I wanted to create a space where viewers can step into the echoes of
memory and see the interplay of light and shadow, hope and despair ,” Bahjat reflects. “Each
piece is an invitation to look beyond the surface and discover what lies beneath—both in the
artwork and within themselves.”
Artbooth Gallery invites visitors to experience "Echoes of Elsewhere," a hauntingly beautiful
exploration of memory, identity, and the spaces we call home.
