Dalloul Artist Collective (DAC) welcomed an extraordinary opening night for Testimonies of Fire: Massacres and Masterpieces in Arab Art. From the moment the doors opened, the Stone Garden Building was alive with clusters of visitors conversing by each wall, photographers navigating between works, and, most of all, a palpable sense of shared purpose.
Before the throngs arrived, the evening began with a quiet but unforgettable moment: Dia Al-Azzawi walked through the gallery, inspecting the spaces, pausing before walls, quietly acknowledging the tapestry that anchors the exhibition. It was as if a guardian of memory had passed through, blessing the show before lights, crowds, and voices filled the rooms.
As guests streamed in, they were greeted by the centerpiece: Azzawi’s monumental tapestry Sabra and Shatila Massacre, 2018. Its powerful presence was constantly felt, even when surrounded by other magnificent works. Around it, contributions from DAC, the Ramzi and Saeda Dalloul Art Foundation (DAF), and the participating artists themselves wove together a tapestry of memory, conflict, resistance, and survival.
What made the night especially resonant was the presence of the artists themselves, many standing alongside their works and engaging directly with visitors in moments of connection, recognition, and pride. The sheer scale of the crowd added to the energy, with art lovers, students, members of the press, longtime DAF and DAC supporters, and curious passersby filling the space well beyond expectations. Yet amid the lively atmosphere, there were also quiet pauses, where guests lingered before the powerful masterpieces, contemplating their details, and taking in their stories.
As the night deepened, DAC’s Artspace became more than a venue. It felt like a space of collective witnessing. Conversations ranged from technical explorations of fabric, paper, zinc and found objects, to far deeper exchanges of memory, testimony, and hope for what art can do.
On view now through October 11, 2025
Testimonies of Fire continues at DAC
Guided tours are offered Thursdays and Saturdays by appointment. To request a slot, reach us via email or phone number.
Thank you
To everyone who joined us for Opening Night, those who promised their time, brought energy, or simply showed up, your presence mattered. And to the artists, curator, team, and each person involved behind the scenes, this night was possible because we built it together. We look forward to seeing more visits, more conversations, more moments of reflection over these weeks.
