I am Ritta Shoufan, a Syrian artist who
was born and lives in Damascus, Syria. I'm sure you hear about my country every
time you get a glimpse of the news. War, bombs, people dying and number of
refugees increasing around the globe. However, none of these news outlets
mention the struggles of daily lives of the people who survived. We live in
constant danger and duress. Electricity, food and water shortages have become a
normal part of our daily life for the past 10 years. The only thing that keeps
us alive is hope. Hope of a better tomorrow and that one-day we, as young
Syrians will be able to determine our own destiny.
For me, I found hope in art. I am
twenty-six years old, to have lived almost half of my life in continuous
terror and fear. Art was my only way out, art has been my temporary refuge for
a world I can only imagine and try to create on my canvas, on walls, on clothes
and in interior design and decoration.
Not only do I have to survive the war, but I
also have to prove myself to a community that is totally opposing to every move
I make as a female minority in the face of racism and oppression. War has made life intolerable for everyone,
and for women from a similar background as mine, it is hard beyond belief.
I come from a low-income
family. Both my parents are survivors and have taught me to never give up, cherish every moment of my life, work hard, love, and build a career I’m
proud of.
Despite all social, political, and daily
challenges, I graduated from University of fine arts, Damascus, Syria in 2019.
As I have conducted multiple exhibitions of my own artwork that reflects on the
daily life in my country. In order to make a living in a society that doesn't
value art or artists, I took it to the next step and deployed my art skills by
starting Canvas.hm, my personal, on-line clothing company where I sell
printed/painted clothes that are home-made. Due to the current restrictions and
sanctions on my country, the world is able to see my art, but I am only able to
sell in Syria; leaving thousands of requests unfulfilled.
I am grateful for every
challenge I have faced in my life, as it has made me stronger and a better
artist. At the same time, I realize that I still have a lot to learn. Today I
am writing to you seeking an opportunity in representing young Syrian artists
around the globe. I hope to learn from you and return home to spread artistic
awareness and teach the younger generation that beyond these walls there are a
world of creativity and a life waiting to be lived.
List of work:
2012, 2016, 2019,
The annual Spring exhibition
2012,
Painting and Sculpture workshops at the Institute of Fine arts
2017,
Contradiction exhibition
2017 , Wall paintings at : Four seasons Hotel,
Loberge Bar, Kazaview restaurant and Red Bar
2019, Launched Canvas.Hm
