Damascus. In the suburb of Harasta, a skilled craftsman called Abo Jawad carries on the ancient, dying art of arabesque marquetry, using strips of precious wood, mother of pearl and other materials to form intricate inlaid designs. The tabletops and other items he creates are the result of long hours of patient work – work that continued all through the dark days of the Civil War, when Harasta suffered heavy shelling.

Fascinated by a tradition which has existed in Syria since at least the twelfth century and impressed by Jawad’s courage, commitment and dexterity, Louis Barthélemy worked with the artisan to create a joyful panel that defies the forces of violence to celebrate instead the Levant’s culture of voluptuous ease and love of nature.  Further collaborations between Barthélemy and Jawad are planned.

NE HAÏR QUE LA HAINE, 65 x 46 cm

LES GAZELLES APPRIVOISÉES, 70 x 70 cm