The core collection of images was made by Syrian and international photographers, many of whom I met while working for the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC). We each experienced the conflict differently, and each photographer worked in a different context – some for local media, some for personal art projects, some for humanitarian aid organizations – but all with a desire to document the complexities of life in Syria during the conflict. By framing their work with my own stories I hope to shed light on my experiences with SARC in Damascus, Homs, and other parts of the country, as well as after arriving in Montreal two years ago. Ultimately, my goal is to offer a glimpse of how everyday Syrians have lived and responded to the conflict with creativity and resilience.
The Syrian conflict is complex. What began as a clash between antiand pro-government protestors devolved into a full-scale civil war, with intervention by foreign governments and jihadist militants. While the Syrian government has used violence against non-combatants, at times it has also protected civilian populations. And while many opposition Delivering food. SARC. Rural Damascus, 2012. forces defend the rights of the people, these groups have also harmed the communities they claim to protect. There are heroes and villains on both sides, depending on the particular region and moment in the conflict. My work focuses on the experiences of civilian victims, including humanitarian aid workers who provide assistance in the midst of
war.