Art is a luxury in Syria

Presidential elections were held in Syria this week in the middle of a civil war. Isn't the outcome of the election a foregone conclusion?

Diala Brisly: Who is supposed to vote? People are dying every day; they live in destroyed houses, in camps. And then the government asks for their votes? They tell the people who live as refugees in Lebanon that they have to vote for Assad, otherwise they won't be allowed back to Syria. That's not something you say to citizens in a democracy. Besides, nothing will change; it's the same every time. These aren't real elections. It's really more like a game; it has nothing to do with reality.

Are there still artists working in Syria?

Brisly: Yes, but only a few. There is no community there. Those who voice their opinion or express it in songs or art only do so under a pseudonym. Otherwise it's too dangerous. There are a few exhibitions, but you can't compare it with how it used to be. For most people in Syria, art is simply not a priority; it's a luxury.

Only in the small town of Kafranbel, do they still have a theatre and a cultural centre. The artists there use art to send messages to people outside. Outside Syria, it's a different story: there, the Syrian art scene is even doing better than before.

Why is that?

Brisly: Before the revolution, I didn't know that there were so many artists in our country. We never heard from each other and didn't have any kind of network. Now we meet up and we can work freely and make our revolution art. Before, we couldn't do anything. If you wanted to publish a magazine or a book, you had to know an official or use a pseudonym. Now we are no longer afraid to speak out.

But in Syria you also published under you own name.

Brisly: Yes. A few friends and I decided to stop using pseudonyms. Before that, I signed my works "Elvis Presley." But it was very dangerous to use my real name and I was very lucky.

How has the Syrian art scene developed in exile?

Brisly: In the past, many artists were influenced by the West; now the art is more oriental. The people are more emotional; they miss Syria. Some musicians, for example, write songs that are influenced by traditional Syrian music, but they mix it with rock – especially Pink Floyd. We love Pink Floyd! They wrote revolution songs.

In general, very little Syrian music was made in the past, but that's different now. In Lebanon in particular, in Beirut, there are many bands, concerts, festivals and lots of activities.

So Syrian art is more diverse than it used to be?

Brisly: Yes, and it will be better than it used to be when everything is over. Many people have lost hope and have stopped being politically active. It's not easy to be politically active, but I think that people shouldn't give up. It will take time, maybe 10 years, but someday, the day of peace will come. I believe in the Syrian children. They are the future of the country and they will build up Syria. That's why I work with them in the camps.

What exactly do you do with the children?

Brisly: They need a good education. Many of them haven't been to school in a long time. I'm working on an illustrated book, and I think it's fun for them and helps them learn. In Beirut there will also be an art workshop for children in the camps to help them to express their feeling about their situation. I'm thinking about moving to Beirut. My friends and I are thinking about establishing a library for children there. I feel that I would be more useful there than here in Istanbul.

Interview conducted by Susanne Dickl

© Deutsche Welle 2014

Editor: Aingeal Flanagan/Qantara.de