Amman: A story for every face

Various artists from around the world are exhibiting their works depicting the human face at the Foresight Gallery in Amman, Jordan.

The exhibition, “Faces,” displays paintings inspired by Arab history, from the early 19th century Lawrence of Arabia era to today’s current events in the Middle East.

The works explore the details of features and expressions of the face resulting from personal and political experiences affected by things such as love and war.

Omar al-Akhras, a Syrian artist, says the increase in violence in his home country inspired him to paint the face of a distressed man covering his mouth with disbelief at the tragedy that has claimed thousands of lives.

"The idea behind the painting was inspired by what we have been seeing (in Syria) lately, the endless killing and bloodshed that is out of all proportion and that no mind can absorb, not even in a horror movie. Every Syrian citizen has ended up watching through a distressed eye without uttering one word, because no comment can express the magnitude of the sadness and distress that they feel,” said al-Akhras.

The artists in the exhibit hail from all parts of the globe, from South America, Scandinavia, Europe, North Africa and the Gulf.

Lama Hourani, the curator of the exhibit, stressed the transcending quality of facial expressions, and said it knows no barriers in language and culture.

"A face can say many things without talking. In general, there are many messages and rich content behind a face. At the same time, it is very simple and human. It is an easy thing, understanding it is easy and it's easy to connect to. I think it is a universal subject that can easily bring together several experiences under one roof," she said.

The exhibition runs until February 29.