YASMINE AL AWA

Her most recent body of work shifts focus from the human figure to the realm of inanimate objects and interiors, inspired by memories from her early life in Syria and recent visits to her homeland. Drawing on the notion of fragmented memory, Al Awa brings everyday objects—such as chairs, tables, textiles, and architecture—into the forefront of her work, transforming them into reflections of identity and longing. These objects, infused with personal significance, act as memorabilia, symbolizing her ongoing search for belonging and identity.

Al Awa’s process is deeply influenced by her background as a painting restorer, where she developed an obsession with materials and their chemical properties. This fascination with durability informs her use of the oil on linen canvas medium, serving as a bridge between her past and present, conveying the enduring nature of cultural memory.

Her work speaks to the fragility of memory and identity, exploring how fleeting moments can become powerful anchors within one’s sense of self. Through her works, Al Awa offers a contemporary perspective on the traditions and aesthetics of Syria, imbuing her work with both personal nostalgia and universal themes of displacement and belonging.