Art is a form of expression that transcends time and space, carrying the essence of the artist’s soul within every stroke and melody created. For Muhannad Alkilani, a visual artist from Syria, art was not just a passion but a way to understand the world and find solace amidst chaos. Born in Damascus, Alkilani’s artistic journey began at a young age, driven by a deep desire to create and replicate the beauty he saw around him. His works depicted the ancient neighbourhoods of Damascus, serene landscapes, and replicas of renowned artworks, showcasing a post-modern expressionist style that evolved over the years.
However, the Syrian Civil War brought catastrophic changes to Alkilani’s life, destroying his home and art workshop in Harasta, forcing him to relocate and face significant physical and emotional challenges. Despite the hardships, Alkilani found solace in creating simple canvases and sketches, using art as a form of therapy to cope with the chaos around him. The war not only took a toll on his artistic production but also affected his psychological well-being, leading to a sense of loss and isolation.
The trauma of displacement and the destruction of cultural heritage can have profound implications on artists like Alkilani, impacting their creativity and sense of identity. Witnessing the loss of his artworks and creative sanctuary, Alkilani faced an identity crisis and struggled to find his artistic voice amidst the chaos. However, through perseverance and determination, he found a way to mend the wounds of his shattered soul and continue his artistic journey, hoping to preserve his cultural heritage and contribute to restoration projects in the future.
Despite the challenges he faced, Alkilani embarked on a journey of rediscovery, returning to his war-torn home in Syria to salvage what was left of his lost artworks. Amongst the debris, he found fragments of his once-vibrant paintings, evoking feelings of grief and frustration. Months later, in a new environment in Dubai, Alkilani began the meticulous process of restoring his salvaged artworks, showcasing his dedication to preserving his cultural legacy and reclaiming his artistic voice.
The journey of restoring lost art involved various meticulous steps, including cleaning the painting, repairing tears, securing the canvas, stabilizing the paint, reinforcing the surface, restoring the damaged area, and reviving the colours. Through this process, Alkilani not only restored his artworks but also found a new sense of purpose and meaning in his artistic journey. Months later, he had the opportunity to showcase his restored artworks at World Art Dubai, symbolizing his resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Alkilani’s story is a testament to the power of art in healing and rebuilding communities affected by conflict. By leveraging collective creativity and preserving cultural heritage, artists like Alkilani can contribute to raising awareness, providing psychological support, and promoting community solidarity. Through his restored artworks and ongoing commitment to his craft, Alkilani is not just preserving his own cultural legacy but also inspiring others to find hope and strength through art in times of adversity.
