"My Land Is Your Land"
The right to protection as refugees
I've finished the I Am series; 12 paintings based on the child's rights. Some people find them sad and think I should add more joy. I don't see it that way. Look at the world around us. There is so much more going on than we see. Some essential aspects of life are invisible because we choose not to see them. E.g. modern slavery or children's labour are words that hurt. By naming it, it becomes visible, negotiable and changeable.
I hope a viewer's first impression will change if they take the time to immerse themselves in my work. One person's interpretation does not have to match another's. And we must accept that peacefully and treat each other respectfully and with integrity.
I place children from different countries in a colourful world that contrasts sharply with reality. The children are all painted in grisaille: using only Titanium white and Paynes grey. This technique and colour scheme suits my personality, which to me is very important.
While it is mentally challenging, I often lose myself in my work.
I like going back and forth between multiple works; it helps me process the sadness/pain I sometimes feel while painting. Although I know I still have to do a lot of work, I am still optimistic about our future and want that to reflect in my work. History is important to me. However, you cannot face the future without knowledge of the past, for better or worse.
