Artbooth Gallery Abu Dhabi to host Syrian artist Noor Bahjat’s artworks

Artbooth Gallery, Abu Dhabi, is presenting ‘Echoes of Elsewhere’, a solo exhibition by well-known Syrian artist Noor Bahjat (Jan. 16 — Feb. 16). The goal of the exhibition is to transform the gallery space into a zone where memory and urban landscapes, and through them the intangible threads of identity, converge. The show, being curated by Christina Kirkham and held on the ground floor of Centro Capital Centre by Rotana, located in the ADNEC area of Abu Dhabi, will display Noor Bahjat’s eleven artworks that traverse the blurred edges of reality, presenting layered compositions that invite quiet contemplation. Kirkham is M.A. in Art History and Museum Management, Sorbonne University.

Bahjat’s paintings conjure tales of lost cities and fractured histories, drawing visitors into an exploration of longing and persistence. Using vivid textures and dynamic contrasts, the canvases capture the duality of light and shadow, revealing intricate worlds beneath their surfaces. Each piece here invites the viewer to step closer, uncover what lies hidden, and interpret the untold stories within. The works featured in ‘Echoes of Elsewhere’ are shaped to defy conventional boundaries and challenge perceptions.

Underwater scene from 'Drown city'.

Among them are pieces that unveil vibrant urban scenes obscured by darkness and 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 the enduring spirit of the city. Circular compositions merge architecture and nature, with a dash of the ethereal, suggesting a reality anchored in dreamlike harmony, where boundaries dissolve. Subdued cityscapes depict the contrast between thriving European metropolises and the unseen sacrifices of displaced communities elsewhere, inviting a dialogue on exploitation and resilience.

Bahjat’s creative process mirrors the emotional intensity of her themes. Her works begin as meticulously wrought creations, only to be veiled and rediscovered through destruction, leaving traces of both loss and finding. The act of reconstructing what has been obscured overleaps visual storytelling and employ texture, colour and form as evocative languages. “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 says. “Each piece is an invitation to look beyond the surface and discover what lies beneath — both in the artwork and within themselves.” All told, ‘Echoes of Elsewhere’ is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of memory, identity, and the spaces we call home.

Untitled work in mixed media on canvas.

Noor Bahjat was born in Damascus, Syria, and is a visionary artist whose works explore themes of cultural memory, resilience, and the invisible connections between past and present. She is a surrealist self-portrait artist working in a painterly expressionistic style, with a primarily figurative subject matter. Creating deeply atmospheric canvases with her reoccurring female protagonist, she attempts to address the intricacies of life. Upon visiting the Philippines in 2016, her palette and visual narrative drastically changed, moving away from dark and static compositions towards illuminated backgrounds, incorporating elements of nature and water within her portraits. It is an example of the environment influencing an artist.

Bahjat depicts densely filled imaginative narratives in still-life settings. Yet the yearning for a more simple life is evident. Her paintings have been exhibited across the Middle East and Europe, earning her acclaim for their profound emotional depth and innovative techniques. Her work is a testament to the enduring power of art to bridge the personal and the universal. In an interview to canvasrebel.com, she said that her artworks “not only reflect my personal experiences and perspectives, but also shed light on the intricate tapestry of Syrian society, history, and culture. I draw from the diverse cultural heritage of Syria, incorporating elements of traditional art, architecture and symbolism into my creations. I use my art to convey messages of resilience, hope and unity, amid the backdrop of conflict and displacement that has marked Syria in recent years.”

Noor Bahjat at work.

Themes of displacement, identity, memory and belonging are recurring motifs in her works and she explores the tension between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to new environments, while striving to foster a sense of unity and shared humanity. “My mission as a Syrian female artist extends beyond creating aesthetically pleasing works,” she told canvasrebel.com. “I use my art as a tool for empowerment and advocacy, challenging stereotypes, humanising the conflict and its impact on individuals, and inviting audiences around the world to empathise and connect.”

She studied at the Faculty of Fine Arts of the University of Damascus, from where she graduated with honors. Though she struggled with perspective throughout her entire degree, she was able to sublimate this weakness into her iconic still-life style. Her work is housed in public and private collections throughout the Middle East, Asia and Europe. Solo and group exhibitions include Ayyam Gallery Dubai (2019, 2015); Atassi Foundation, Dubai (2019); Ward Gallery, Dubai (2019); Galerie Stephanie, Manila (2018, 2016); Art Space DA: MDAA, Seoul (2017); Maraya Art Centre, Sharjah (2017); and Galleria Gliacrobati (2017), Turin. She lives and works in the United Arab Emirates and is currently undertaking an artist residency at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi.