New exhibition delves into 'pain of conflict'

A new photography exhibition has opened at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, focusing on landscapes and urban scenes which reflect "sites of previous pain, trauma or melancholy".

The solo exhibition by Syrian-Armenian photographer Hrair Sarkissian, called Other Pains, comprises photography, moving images and sound.

Mr Sarkissian, who works and lives in London, first trained at his father's photography studio in Syria's capital Damascus, which was badly damaged during the country's civil war.

The gallery said through the exhibition the artist tells stories of the fighting.

"Through extensive research he conveys stories of conflict, displacement, loss and hope," the gallery said.

"By documenting sites that bear the scars of trauma, whether as hints that remain of a life that has gone before in a landscape or previously loved place, the artist draws upon personal and collective memories to reveal untold narratives.

"Invisibility contrasted with visibility is evident in his often deserted landscapes and locations, devoid of human presence, they are filled with human existence."

The free exhibition is set to run until 22 June.

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