Darat al Funun's Summer Academy was established on the 10th anniversary of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation, in recognition of the important role played by a teacher in transmitting knowledge and experience to younger generations. It was directed by Syrian artist Marwan, a member of the Akademie der Künste and a professor at the Berlin College of Fine Arts.
Participating artists engaged in conversations with Marwan in a free and creative environment and were encouraged to work with various mediums, including painting, printmaking and installations, offering the students insight and exposure to new artistic practices and theories of the art world.
The Summer Academy played a vital role in shaping the works produced by its students, who were inspired by the stimulating setting of Darat al Funun, the feedback received on their work, and the opportunity to study critical art works by modern Arab artists in The Khalid Shoman Collection. It stands as a unique model and conduit for learning and working under the spirit of exchange of expertise and the relationship between teacher and student.
The first session of Darat al Funun’s Summer Academy concluded with an exhibition showcasing works by 16 young artists from Jordan, Palestine, Syria and Lebanon, who had participated in 4 weeks of intensive courses.
For information on the resulting exhibitions, please click on the following links: