This is about a project that started with a feeling. The feeling that we are all Humans. No matter if we are black or white, good or bad, no matter where you came from.
I want to step out of my imaginary sanctuary and bring reality to life. To illustrate their stories. TRUE STORIES.
Let yourself get dragged into their struggle.
It is also our struggle-for life.
33 years old / political refugee from Iran / Architect/ Artist
22 years old / refugee from Syria / Student
18 years old / refugee from Syria / Student
Thanks for sharing positivity and humanity ....
One morning a few weeks ago I was waiting for my turn in the bakery next door. As I was reading the local newspaper’s headline about 32 refugees arriving in our neighbor town I could hear the people in front of me discussing the news. They seemed worried. Not worried for the people that had escaped war, terror and destruction but worried for their own lives. They seemed to worry that their comfortable lives would change now. As if these refugees, most of whom had lost everything except their lives, were nothing but bugs – they wouldn’t do any harm but they would penetrate their bubble and disturb their carefree lives. Like a dark spot ruining the beautiful painting.
I was gutted. On this day something inside me changed. As an artist I’m normally looking for inspiration in the unknown, a surreal world that lives from our dreams, thoughts and fears. But now it was time to step out of this imaginary sanctuary. To bring reality to life. To illustrate the reality of refugees. To tell their stories. True stories. This is why I’m here.
The essence of my art didn’t change though. I want people to look closer. This is when their imagination kicks in and the unconscious takes over. Skulls, for example, are only skulls at first glance. But in fact, they represent any human: blacks, whites, Syrians, Austrians, Americans, good people, bad people, workers, doctors, politicians, you, me. We all have skulls, we all are humans. There is a story behind each human, and each story is worth to be told. „
Human Rights. Article 19
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Human Rights. Article 1.
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.
Human Rights. Article 19.
Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.
Human Rights. Article 9
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
Human Rights. Article 6.
Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.