From Kakuma to Salisbury: Refugees' Art Tells Powerful Stories

A new art exhibition in Salisbury, England, is giving refugees from Kenya a chance to share their stories through their artwork. The artists are part of the Kakuma Art Project, which is based in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. One of the most striking pieces in the exhibition is a black and white charcoal drawing of a young Kenyan boy. He is shown with his hands clasped together, his eyes closed, and his mouth open, as if he is pleading for something. In a thought bubble next to him, there is a bowl of food, showing what he is wishing for. The boy is wearing a black vest, and the sun is shining in the sky above him.

The exhibition, called 'The Power of One Painting,' is being held at the Vanner Gallery in Salisbury. It opens on Sunday and continues on Monday. The Kakuma Art Project supports artists living in the refugee camp by providing them with education, opportunities, and a platform to share their work. In one photograph, a group of artists from the camp are standing in front of a wooden building with blue poles. They are dressed in casual clothes, including jeans, shirts, T-shirts, and hoodies in various colors. Each artist is holding up a picture that tells their personal story of being a refugee. The artwork covers themes such as hope, hunger, prayers, and journeys.

The Kakuma Art Project was inspired by a painting called 'Boat,' created by Tara Dominick, a fine artist from Devon. The painting depicted refugees packed onto a boat at sea. After Tara shared her painting, she began a conversation with Hubert Senya, who lives at the camp, and together they founded the art project. Tara says that the project has been 'profoundly moving' for her, as she has witnessed how the artists use their work to express their experiences and heal from their struggles. She believes that seeing their stories through art helps the refugees feel truly seen and heard.

One of the colorful pieces in the exhibition, created by Kuachi Gai, shows two hands. One hand is holding a torch with a flame, and vibrant rainbow shards of light are coming out. The hands are caught in a black net, symbolizing struggle and hope. The Kakuma camp is home to about 300,000 refugees from different African countries who have fled famine, persecution, and conflict. Tara says that having their artwork exhibited in the UK is 'more than miraculous. ' She never imagined that one painting could have such a big impact, not only on the refugees but also on the community of supporters in the UK who helped create an art gallery at the camp. The project has helped the artists become more confident, which Tara finds 'extremely heart-warming. '

The exhibition is not just about showing art; it is about sharing the powerful stories of refugees and helping them find healing and hope. The Kakuma Art Project continues to support artists in the camp, giving them a chance to learn, grow, and connect with people around the world through their art.