Zeina Salameh

“After my first visit to the Citadel of Aleppo, my conversations with myself became a regular part of my day. During the lockdown, these dialogues multiplied and branched more than usual, maybe because of the free time, or due to the outpouring of ideas from different parts of the planet, or possibly due to the mixed feeling of fear and anxiety that kept fluctuating throughout my day.

Homesickness and nostalgia intensified, and I found myself constantly comparing the time of war with the time of isolation; which was better? Which was lighter on my heart and soul?

This self-seclusion transcended me home to Aleppo. I found myself recalling snapshots from my memory of my special relationship with the Citadel; “37 Views of Aleppo’s Citadel” was crystallized during lockdown – inspired by the series of Hokusai- it came as an answer to my questions, and as a result of my monologue, my quest to find the roots of my fear and hesitation.

The project depicts my intimate relationship with the place using a new style and technique.”