Wolverhampton exhibition reveals art's power to showcase war's impact

In a powerful exhibition titled Other Pains, Syrian-Armenian photographer Hrair Sarkissian showcases his work at the Wolverhampton Art Gallery, which opened recently. The exhibition focuses on landscapes and urban scenes that capture the emotional scars left by conflict, trauma, and displacement, utilizing photography, moving images, and sound to tell deeply personal and collective stories. Sarkissian, who grew up in Damascus, Syria, trained at his father’s photography studio before moving to London. His work is rooted in the harsh realities of life amid war, marked by loss and longing for what once was, revealing untold narratives through his lens. The gallery has noted that this exhibition features a distinct approach to art by documenting locations that are often devoid of human presence yet filled with the memories of those who once lived there. Through extensive research and introspection, Sarkissian emphasizes the contrast between visibility and invisibility, highlighting the hidden human experiences embedded in landscapes scarred by violence. His artistry transforms the mundane and the ordinary into moving representations of pain and resilience. The public response to Sarkissian's work has been significant, with many visiting the gallery to confront the stark realities of war and trauma depicted in the exhibition. The exhibition seeks to offer a space for reflection, prompting viewers to consider the narratives behind each captured scene and the collective memory of those who have endured the ravages of conflict. Running until June 22, the exhibition offers free access, encouraging community engagement with the critical themes of loss, hope, and the enduring impact of war on individuals and societies. It challenges visitors to reflect on the invisible scars that shape the landscapes around them and honors the lived experiences of those affected by the ongoing consequences of war.