We asked the Students for Syrian Refugees artists what art for social change means to them. Here's what they said:
E.L.IB VA 11
We are part of human kind, and we are never as different as we think. We may have different religions, skin colours or languages, but we are all human. We all want respect, love, and safety. This is often forgotten by modern media that may try to separate us from others and aim to demonize vulnerable populations. We often see this in the fear mongering of politicians and irrational arguments, which often result in modern day racism. In speaking to new refugees and hearing their struggles and successes in fleeing to Canada, I was moved to bring my subject's face to light through painting. I admire her for her strength and determination, and hope to honour her through this piece. |
R.W. + G.T.Social Justice 12
This painting represent that we are all the same, and that the only difference between us is our skin colour. The painting also represents that the Canadians citizen welcome those who are seeking refuge from Syrian who are looking for a safer environment to live in. Many Syrian Refugees are coming to Canada to start over their lives and leave behind the horrible experiences that they had to go through. We chose this image because it shows that we welcome them with our full hearts and that they are accepted into this country. The art also shows that no matter what your past is, we will treat you with great and outmost respect, and that the refugees will be treated greater than what they have had to deal with in Syria. We originally got the idea of painting a heart because we saw that Lush had a soap shaped as a heart, and we got the idea that we should paint one half as the Canadian flag and the other half as the Syrian flag. The boarder line in between the two flags signifies that Canada is open to those who are in need. |
E.H. + L. K.Social Justice 12
Due to the circumstances in Syria today, many young people are forced into life altering challenges. These challenges and difficulties include watching their family being torn apart, either from illnesses, injuries or death. They often miss out on important years of education, and alongside that, in order to reach a safe haven, away from all of the destruction and war that is going on in their home country, they must pack up what little belongings they have, and move across the world. This artwork depicts a young Syrian boy who has made his way to Canada, all to escape the horrors of his home country. Education on the issues in Syria is extremely important today. So many people turn a blind eye to the issue, simply because they are scared for them to come to their country. But they do not understand the extent of pain and sorrow that these people; these families; these children, experience each and every day when they are inhibited from entering other countries for refuge. The young boy in this painting is one of some who have been granted the opportunity to be protected. He has been given the opportunity to survive and thrive in a place that will help him to find success and safety. His life has been given a new beginning in a safe haven that so many others from his country seek. This is all because of the acceptance of others. The only downfall is that so many others need help as well. And this is something that as humankind, we must bond together and allow for more of these hurting individuals and families into our countries; regardless of our fears. |
Social Justice 12
We chose to paint a silhouette of a young girl standing in front of a doorway, with the Syrian flag in the background. The child is from one of the largest Syrian refugee camps in Jordan, called Za’atari. These children have been forced out of their home to due the civil war taking place. Further, they have been denied the right to live in their homes, continue their education, and live with their families in its entirety. We painted her in front of the flag to symbolize the home and she has been forced leave and is not able to return to. These children have been victims of a violent war, and therefore, do not have a voice. We chose to paint her red to show the negative, violent, events that the children of Syria have been exposed to. Further, we decided to paint the silhouette slightly translucent to express the concept of the population disappearing and lessening. We chose to paint a picture of what we believe is an emotionally gravitating piece and we hope that, by using a visually compelling tool, we can give these children more of a voice. |
C.S.Social Justice 12
“You can only go forward by making mistakes”-Alexander McQueen. I never plan my paintings meticulously in advance, and the finished look of Hope is drastically different from what I envisioned, as I did not intend to have paint drips cover the bottom half of the painting. After I realized that I could not conceal the first drop of paint that slowly snaked its way down towards the bottom, I added more paint drips until the entire bottom half of Hope was covered in multicolored drips. Perhaps this acts as a metaphor for acceptance and action towards those who are in a situation that is beyond their own control; instead of remaining passive, taking action towards solving those problems is a much better solution than avoiding the issue altogether. The juxtaposition of the paint streaks against the crisp lines that formulate the figure of the child allows viewers to be engaged as to what message this painting is trying to send. Is Hope trying to blur the lines between reality and fantasy? Or is it attempting to show a child’s innocence and purity against a chaotic situation? Nonetheless, Hope’s message morphs into the viewer’s mind according to their own taste. |
R.G.Social Justice 12
Leap of Freedom (2016) In March 2016, I learned about one of the worst humanitarian crisis in history in my Social Justice 12 class, the Syrian Civil War. As I became more aware of this topic, I became more inspired to paint this piece I like to call “Leap of Freedom”. The background consists of a bright sun emerging behind a dark sea, with the sea representing the leaping refugee’s past and the emerging bright sun his future. The blended colours represent the refugee’s past and present experiences merging into one. The leaping refugee figure shows how many have decided to leave their homes and old lives behind them in Syria, and leap forward to a more promising future filled with freedom. “When I am down on the earth, I am sad. I remember Syria. But when I jump, I forget everything. It is like being a bird, a free bird in the immensity of the sky.” My piece represents the freedom Syrian refugees are looking for when they seek refuge, and how they desire an escape from the cage that is Syria. |
VIB VA 11
Generally I am interested in either really simple or really complex illustration that combines with cultural elements or have a strong cultural background. Usually my art works are dark, often a lot of human figures and bodyparts are elements of my works. For this painting I am going with the idea of sending a message by colors and shapes. This is also my first time trying out oil paint as well so spending time exploring and experiencing new materials. I combined two images from the instagram page insidezaatari together to form a new image. |
KIB VA 11
Optimistic ( 2016 ) In my art practice, I take a critical view of social, political and cultural issues, I like to reflect them using an artistic way (expressive lines, saturated colour). In my Optimistic (2016), I’m trying to express the youthful heart in these children. I love their smiles and the hope for the futures that they hold. I tried to captivate this through bright colours and expressions. |
J.M. + B.A.IB VA 11
Our paintings were created to present ideas that demonstrate the simplistic, yet meaningful aspects of daily life and interactions. We believe that creating these pieces would combat the negative stigma in the media that targets Syrian Refugees by displaying positivity specifically through the concept of conversation. We had decided to use our own styles of illustration through painting to have a more interesting and positive approach to the project. Our process began with spray-painting the canvas completely with one solid colour, and we chose blue and pink. After creating the spray-painted base, we then transferred sketches of pre-existing images from an Instagram account (@insidezaatari) that posts pictures from a Syrian refugee camp. We aim to express the idea that Syrians could have a whimsical conversation regardless of their current situation of conflict. We wanted to create a more positive view towards race, culture, and stereotypes. We believe that focussing on these aspects and expressing it visually helps create a positive representation of their daily life. The first piece with the blue background is of a young boy who is inviting friends over for tea. It was illustrated in a cartoon style to help combat the negative stereotypes surrounding the everyday life of young Syrians. The bright colours further influence the essence of the painting and brings more meaning to the image. The boy in the original image stated, “’Come on over here, to my house to drink a cup of tea. You are my neighbour and this is good neighbour practice in Syria!’” As a result, the caption inspired the style and approach to the overall painting. The second piece has a pink background with a group of people illustrated to seem as if they are attending the tea party. The accumulation of figures in the image presents an idea of a cheerful, inclusive gathering. Conversation is implied: excitement is in the air as all the attendees rush to the tea party. The simplistic style of the figures represents how the cluster is one whole community, blending into each other. |
NIB VA 11
Through my painting, I wanted to show how Syrian refuges are part of a culture that does not judge people by religion, race, colour, or even sect. They are part of a culture based on good character, honesty and trustworthiness. Having this concept or idea early on, it really took off when my teacher brought in a Saudi Arabian refugee who came to Canada about a year ago, and ever since helped and welcomed new refuges to Canada. This genuine man spoke with full honesty and heart about his long and tough journey to Canada. During his talk, He mentioned how in his culture, bread is shared with everyone, and not by oneself. This is where I got the idea to paint a bread basket. Bread Itself is very symbolic and holy to many religions and cultures. Furthermore, bread is a powerful image of community and the act of giving. In other words, they are part of a culture that would give “bread to everyone,” even to those who are encouraging bad stigma. |