Peace Museum Vienna (PMV) inaugurated its first exhibition of ‘anti-war’ paintings from Syria on May 26, 2015. This is the first such initiative by any museum in Austria, and reinforces PMV’s mission of making conflict real for the people of Vienna. We in Europe live in a state of peace. However, ever since the outbreak of civil war in 2011, Syria has witnessed the destruction of hundreds of historically significant cultural heritage sites and sculptures. Tens of thousands of Syrians have lost their lives, and millions more were forced to leave the country due to the ongoing pointless war. In addition to continuous armed conflict in Syria and damage to its culture, the looting of Syrian cultural heritage needs to be highlighted as a loss for humanity. It is in this context that PMV decided to host the work and art of Ibrahim Bargoud, an upcoming artist from Syria, in its main exhibition hall.
Ibrahim Barhgoud is originally from Aleppo, a place that has universal value for its cultural history and medieval Arab architectural style. Aleppo was once the cultural jewel of the Middle East, but today it is bleeding – the war not only creates large-scale human loss, but also leads to a devastation of cultural and historical sites. At the inauguration, Mr. Barghoud reminded us that pencils, brushes and colors are more powerful than guns. “Peace and sincerity comes from the heart, not from guns and bullets,” he said.
Art is a powerful tool for public inspiration and can be used to amplify intercultural interaction. It is a means of acknowledging the greatness of another people, and thus leads to the respect, tolerance and acceptance of others. Art can also act a gentle reminder of the depravity of violence, and can be used to steer dialogue on alternatives to violence. Art recognizes no borders in terms of its effect on people.
Peace Museum Vienna calls on human society to reject the path of violence in all its manifestations. Let us, the peace believers, unite and promote peace, because we find life in peace. War can only bring us death, destruction and poverty. Let’s not fight violence with violence because it hasn’t worked throughout history. Rather, nonviolence and peace have the potential to ensure a sustained future for the human race. To quote our wise Peace Hero Mohatma Gandhi, “There is no way to peace. Peace is the only way.”
PMV’s main mission is peace education through the lives of peace heroes, and to this end PMV also focuses on peace education through arts and culture.
Written by Ali Ahmad, edited by Hannah White