Amman, Jordan, is a vibrant metropolis that skillfully blends ancient
history with modernity. Nestled among rolling hills, the city boasts a rich
cultural heritage and hosts a burgeoning yet sometimes overlooked art scene.
Tucked away in one of its neighborhoods is "Jodar," a playful play on
words combining "Jordan" and "Dar," meaning house, symbolizing
a space, place, identity, and womb. Since its inception in 2018, Jodar has been
a home for creative minds, artists, and aestheticians from all walks of life,
as highlighted on its website. Currently, a new exhibition has found its home
here, featuring a collective of six Jordanian women who have come together to
showcase their artwork and share a mission focused on raising awareness for
breast cancer and extending a helping hand to underserved women throughout
Jordan.
اضافة اعلان
The current exhibition, known for its induction in October as part of
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, is titled "Awakening Dreams 5,"
marking the fifth edition of this event, with support under the patronage of
HRH Queen Rania and Princess Rajwa Ali. The exhibition serves not only as a
celebration of the beauty of art but also as a platform for education and
community engagement. It plays a vital role in fostering a deeper understanding
of breast cancer prevention and early detection among communities while
leveraging art as the foundation of women's expression.
Reem Khader, one of the artists, shared her inspiration with
Jordan
News, stating, "I am always excited to attend exhibitions and stay updated
on topics that impact our society. Currently, my biggest inspiration is
artificial intelligence. Being able to translate AI into an artistic form was
the technique I used while painting my pieces."
Art for women as an escape from daily responsibilities
She
further described her paintings, saying, "art holds significant importance
for women as it provides a respite from daily responsibilities, allowing them
to find solace.
Through her artwork, Khader seeks
to escape from the pressures of responsibilities, marriage, and the juggling
act of professional and social lives. Her creations provide a space for her to
find peace and freedom.
Meanwhile, Amal Soboh, another artist, mentioned in an interview with
Jordan
News, "since I was young, I've been blessed with artistic talent; art
runs in my family." Her artistic family includes a skilled painter mother,
a talented visual artist sister, and a brother excelling in sculpture. Soboh
nurtured her passion by studying fine arts and diligently honing her skills
over the years.
The depths of existence, capturing its contradictions
She added, describing her art, "when I create art, I delve into the
depths of existence, capturing its contradictions. However, I always strive to
push my paintings further and continue to develop my style over time."
Burgeoning period of artistic feminism
In Jordan, there is a burgeoning period of artistic feminism that has
inspired these artists to organize an annual exhibition, aiming to support
women fighting breast cancer.
Fore Shereen Al Ouran, another artist, her journey took a unique path.
Starting with architecture, it allowed her to explore design and creativity.
However, it was during a trip to Morocco with her husband, where she started to
experience a transformative revelation about the beauty and power of art.
Recalling her time in Morocco, she said, "I was captivated by the
vibrant art scene and the rich cultural heritage that surrounded me. It was a
transformative experience that ignited a newfound desire within me to explore
the world of drawing." Inspired by the intricate details and unique
techniques she witnessed, Ouran was driven to learn and develop her own
artistic skills to express her feelings and ideas through art.
Art is not just expression, but sheds light on crucial social issues and
advocates for change.
She expressed her belief that art is not just a form of self-expression
but also a means to shed light on crucial social issues and advocate for
change. Ouran has been particularly drawn to capturing the essence of women
through her artwork, believing that art possesses the power to amplify their
voices and convey their stories in ways words sometimes cannot.
On Jordan’s cultural calendar
The collective impact of these six remarkable artists extends beyond
their individual creations. Their annual exhibition has become a significant
event on Jordan's cultural calendar, attracting art enthusiasts, supporters of
breast cancer awareness, and those simply seeking inspiration.
Breast cancer remains a significant health concern globally, and Jordan
is no exception. According to the latest statistics, 2.3 million new cases were
diagnosed in 2020, according to the Jordan Breast Cancer Program. This
exhibition runs until October 17 and 50 percent of the proceeds will be donated
towards providing life-screening services for Jordanian women in underserved
areas under the leadership the King Hussein Cancer Foundation.
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