When and how did you get involved in the art business?
Mayssa Chehab: My first engagement in the fine art domain was in 1993 on a private level. Then things evolved and I worked at an art gallery in Damascus. I worked on a project with partners which eventually led to establishing Tajalliyat Art Gallery.

What do you love most about art?
MC: I was raised in a cultured family who appreciates all kinds of arts, especially the fine arts. Growing up, we were exposed to the different styles of artworks and I developed a passion towards art which inspired me to continue a career in the artworld.

What does your role as gallery director entail?
MC: Tajalliyat gallery was established in 2009 by three partners (Mrs. Suhair Nourallah, Mr. Edward Al-Shaer and myself).  Each of us has a crucial role in keeping this gallery in its present status. And as for me –as a gallery director- I manage and organize exhibitions, coordinate with artists and international art fairs organisers, handle public relations and participate in the well-known auctions.

How have you seen Tajalliyat Gallery evolve since you started?
MC: Our gallery could leave a good imprint in the Syrian art market due to the trailblazing exhibitions we held since we embarked and the positive impression we left among the fine art cognoscenti in Syria and the region.

How do you decide which artists you want to represent? What type of artists do you most want to work with?
MC: Tajalliyat is open for anyone. We focus more on projects than a private cadre of artists. In 2009, we launched the gallery in salute to Nazir Nabaa and have since managed to produce a varied catalogue of work as possible; exhibitions of the pioneers as Marwan Kassab Bashi, Salvador Dali… etc. to the youngest and promising talents like Youssef Youssef.

What’s the best thing about running a gallery?
MC: Having a job that is based on passion, interest and aspiration for more success, all of equal significance.

Youssef Youssef. The Bride, 2012. 150 X 150cm, oil, carbon on canvas

Syrian art scene

What are the special challenges in running a gallery in Syria today? Are you able to hold events? Any alternatives?
MC: Unfortunately Syria is undergoing a very tough period that caused many people –including artists to stay away from the homeland. Their absence has affected our arts and culture.
However, our gallery never shut the doors for the visitors and we strive to hold events and exhibitions, if not in Syria, in neighboring Arab and foreign countries. It is a serious challenge to uphold the position of Syrian art in the region. This is a difficult time and it has been one and a half year since we haven’t had any cultural event.

Boutros AlMaari. The Storyteller & Antara Horse, 2012.
Acrylic on canvas 114 x 160 cm

What are the important things does the gallery do in order to support the Syrian artists?
MC: Tajalliyat Gallery is cooperating with artists in general. Even in this situation, we support them and promote their work in exhibitions to reach a reasonable level of sales.

Is there money in the market from Syrians who want to quickly invest in art?
MC: The amount of investment by the Syrian collectors has decreased to 20% from what the whole amount used to be before the crisis. The situation in the country has negatively affected both the production of artwork and the possibilities of obtaining them, as it affected all the other aspects of life.

Syrian art

How is the international market currently for Middle Eastern art especially Syrian art?
MC: Syrian art has long made its mark in the international art market; through the auctions, art fairs and even private exhibitions. And in my opinion, I don’t believe that the crisis has damaged the reputation of Syrian art in the market.

With all that is happening in Syria, you seem to be more driven to promote Syrian art; what are your strategies this year? Do you have special events you would like to highlight?
MC: Actually we have several commitments to exhibit for Syrian artists; in Beirut for example, we have a participation in ME.NA.SA. Art Fair, while in GCC we have exhibitions for Ahmad Moualla and Boutros Al-Maari.

Finally

In your opinion, can art contribute to global and regional political and social discussions? In other words, does art matter?
MC: Certainly; art is the reflection of culture and society, it’s the embodiment of all the conditions in life and I think even during this crisis, Syrian art proved its existence and its ability to communicate in positive way.