Ayyam Gallery marks the beginning of its history with its inaugural exhibition in Damascus on 14 November 2006. The exhibition brings together five Syrian artists, Mouner Kamnakache, Safwan Dahoul, Youssef Abdelke, Fadi Yazigi, and Abdulla Murad, and establishes the foundation for the gallery’s enduring commitment to contemporary art from the region.
Presenting a diverse group of artists and practices, the exhibition reflects the richness of Syria’s contemporary art scene and introduces the gallery’s early vision of supporting artists whose work engages with the cultural, social, and political realities of their time.
The inaugural exhibition sets the foundation for Ayyam Gallery’s programme and its approach to building long-term relationships with artists. It reflects a commitment to providing a dedicated platform for contemporary artists from the region, while creating opportunities for their practices to reach wider audiences locally and internationally.
Among the artists presented, Safwan Dahoul remains an important part of Ayyam’s history and ongoing programme, representing the enduring relationships that continue to shape the gallery’s.
As Ayyam Gallery looks back on its beginnings, the Damascus exhibition remains a defining moment in its history: the starting point of a two-decade journey dedicated to supporting artists, fostering dialogue, and advancing the visibility of contemporary art from the Middle East on an international stage.
