It’s been 8 years since the Syrian people revolted against Bashar Al Assad regime. During these years Syrian art has flourished inside and in the diaspora, documenting loss, exile, resistance and resilience. We speak with Syrian artist Dima Nachawi, she is an illustrator and the founder of the Memory Initiative for Syrian Culture. Last year, Dima was featured as part of BBC’s “100 inspiring and influential women from around the world.”

We talk about Syria, the art scene especially in exile, and the importance of creative work in preserving a nation’s collective memory. She spoke to us from her home in Beirut, Lebanon.

To see Dima’s work, visit her portfolio on:

https://www.behance.net/dimanashawaaf8

And on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/Dima4480

Al Jumhuriyha article referenced in the interview

https://www.aljumhuriya.net/en/content/i-%E2%80%9Cabnormal%E2%80%9D