WE DARED TO DREAM: THE STORY OF SALEM'S PAINTINGS
“We dared to dream and we will not regret dignity” - this was our message for the 10 Year anniversary of the Syrian Revolution.
ACTION FOR SAMA FACEBOOK FRAME
The first time part of this phrase was shared, was on wall graffiti in Daraa, Syria in March 2019. The words spoke to Waad, who was inspired by its meaning, describing the fight and hope of each revolutionary who has been using their voice for the past 10 years for Syria.
In February 2020, Waad adapted the phrase and it was embroidered in Arabic on a bespoke dress for the Oscars last year and then, to mark the 10 year milestone of the revolution, these words were spread far and wide through Action For Sama’s campaign. A Facebook Frame was specially designed by Mohamad Bwedany, which is being used by over 35,000 people to date.
Sharing of the phrase did not stop there. Salem al-Atrash, who you will recognise from For Sama film with Afraa and their children, took paintbrush to paper for a very special project for some of our supporters.
These supporters have been with us since the beginning, using their global platforms to shine a light on For Sama film and the work we are doing at Action For Sama.
Salem created beautiful, bespoke paintings with a special message from Waad, which were posted to friends of the campaign: Emilia Clarke, Kit Harrington, Alec Baldwin, Josh O’Connor, Annie Mac, Stacey Dooley, Camilla Thurlow and Jamie Jewitt.
Salem shares his thoughts about this project:
““The idea of the paintings is derived from Waad’s dress at the Oscars Ceremony and the phrase that was written on it which for me summarizes our story, the story of the revolution, the story of a people who defied injustice and stood up to the oppressor in order to reach freedom and dignity at all costs of sacrifices.
The drawing renewed my sense of pride and belonging to this great revolution that will change the world, painting was and still is the means of peaceful protest against the silence of the world towards the crimes of the Syrian regime.”Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”
For Salem, using his art and creativity is more than second nature, it is part of him, and he has been at the heart of the Syrian revolution art since the very beginning.
Salem used calligraphy and illustration on banners for peaceful demonstrations, he painted graffiti on the walls of Aleppo, expressing thoughts of the revolution and also through painting on the remnants of war and bombs.
““The paint brush and pen have always been my peaceful weapon, through which I reflect the face of our civilisation and the most important principles of our revolution in the right to express opinions freely.””
We have been overwhelmed with the amazing support from our Action For Sama community through the month of the anniversary and beyond.
Many people have asked if they could be part of this special project and to receive one of these beautiful creations. We are so excited to tell you that soon this will be possible, as we are launching a new way to share and support the work of Syrian artists, including Salem.
‘We dared to dream and we will not regret our dignity’ is much more than a phrase - this is the story of Syrian people who have been at the heart of the revolution for ten years; a people with a hope for change and a determination to keep moving forward for a future Free Syria.
We are looking to the decision makers, the activists, the fighters and the future generations to stand with us and help us make change.