Syrian refugees’ art

Syrian refugees’ artimage

16 Apr 2015

Syrian refugees who were straggling in refugee camps for more than three years found a way to express their feelings by Art. Jean Bradbury a Canadian artist holds week-long workshops for residents ranging from toddlers to teens, after she contacted the Canadian Embassy to see how she might use her art teaching abilities to help in the relief effort for Syrian refugees in Al Zaatrai camp Jordan. The men and women who took part in her workshop were members of an all-male English language class and an all-female cosmetology class who took a break from study to try their hand at art. None was a professional artist, although one young man had been an art teacher in Damascus. Many were drawing with pen and ink for the first time. “I chose to teach young adults because they seem to be particularly under-served in the camp. Too old to take part in art programs for children and often at loose ends, at a time in their lives when they ought to be making their way in the world. Their frustration and despair is palpable,” said Bradbury, “I hope that, by giving them a creative voice, they will find solace, have some fun, and be able to direct their energy toward something positive and life-affirming.” The artwork which was done by the refugees proved her point. She asked everyone to write and draw small moments from their daily lives in the camp nevertheless once everyone got comfortable with the tools of the trade, their tales flooded reams of blank paper. The focus was intense and deeper messages was emerged. Perhaps one day someone will tap the stories of Syria. The potency of the pictures made by these amateur artists guarantees a blockbuster.