Ebdaa Holds Unprecedented Ashura Art Gallery
Ashura is here, and so are the feelings illustrated through several means; whether slogans, poems, writings, or even banners seen all over the areas commemorating the sacred memory of Imam Hussein and his household.
Giving the children and even adults a new space to express their own thoughts about Ashura, the arts foundation "Ebdaa" (Arabic for Creativity) organized a gallery in which every individual has the freedom to draw, paint, and sketch his or her own notions of Ashura and Karbala.
The gallery entitled "Thilal" (Arabic for Shadows), is a one-of-a-kind idea as the organizers and participants call it, for it's the first time an organization holds such an event in Lebanon.
On this level, founder of "Ebdaa", and senior organizer of the event, Mr. Ali Abbass, expressed his satisfaction to the people's turnout, which was more than they were expecting.
In an interview with moqawama.org, Mr. Abbass referred to the origin of the idea saying, "The Open Ashura Gallery is an idea initially executed in Bahrain for many years now, and it has been organized by the Bahraini "Husseini Studio Gallery"".
"We [Ebdaa] communicated with artists from Bahrain, and therefore it was suggested that we conduct this step in Lebanon, as pioneers of this broad gallery", Ali Abbass added.
He stated that "Ebdaa" communicated with several youth organizations including schools and scouts movements to call for the participation in this event, as a method through which they can express their feelings, emotions, and affections towards Ashura and Imam Hussein.
"Through this step, we are giving the youth, and even the adults a chance to express their notions in their own special way", the founder of the arts organization stated.
Moreover, he indicated "Ebdaa's" vision to make "Thilal" an annual event; meaning every Ashura of every year, and it will be held in presence of artists; professionals and amateurs.
"This is considered to be a tough art challenge, but we discovered many talents, and some drawings and paintings will be chosen to be presented at the art exhibition "Difaf" (Arabic for Riverbanks), also organized by "Ebdaa", which will be held to commemorate the 40th day after the Martyrdom of Imam Hussein," he went on to say.
Furthermore, Mr. Ali Abbass said that his organization is willing to expand this event to reach all areas in Lebanon within the upcoming years.
In almost all corners of the self-service gallery, one can see children and young people grabbing papers and crayons to draw and express their love to the sacrifices presented by Imam Hussein and those who presented their lives for the sake of our existence.
On her part, Ahlam Abbass, Arts Coordinator at "Ebdaa" reiterated that "Thilal" is an unprecedented event in Lebanon, affirming that it gives individuals an opportunity to express their thoughts in the most powerful method.
"Through drawing, one can express the most intense feelings and affections towards this occasion", she added.
"The gallery embraced a big number of amateurs and professionals who illustrated Ashura in a very "colorful" way", Ahlam said, stating that they have discovered some talented children.
"We will be contacting these children to follow-up their clever drawing talents, and this is a new aspect "Ebdaa" is taking part in", "Ebdaa's" arts coordinator confirmed.
Fatima, a 13 year old, expressed her happiness after she was given this opportunity to practice her hobby in what truly delivers a message of loyalty and appreciation to the morals of Ashura.
On another hand, Fatima's mother, Zeinab, stated that the gallery is a very creative and important idea through which children can know better about Ashura, or even express what Ashura really means to them.
"The organizers were thrilled with the results of this gallery, for many talents were discovered, and this will give them an opportunity to expand their art work and events", Zeinab indicated.
"Ebdaa" has for sure contributed in creating a new space for people, through which they can engrave the love of Imam Hussein in their minds and hearts without any pressure, but in a way they like.
The shadows of Imam Hussein's Ashura still live in our souls, leading us in the right path of defending our dignity, sovereignty, and freedom.
