An often harrowing and uncomfortable art exhibition, featuring artwork created by Syrian refugee children, is currently on display at Noa Bakehouse, in Douglas.

Curated by Baraa Ehssan Kouja, also the founder of the charity ’From Syria With Love’, the exhibition has gathered together drawings made by children who have witnessed the horrors of the war, and have spent many years living in refugee camps in Lebanon.

’These pictures have been drawn by kids aged six and 16,’ said Baraa.

’We are trying to raise awareness of their plight, and how their imaginations are often affected by their situation.

’If you see the pictures, some of them have blood, tears and bodies when they should be thinking about their childhood.’

Given the young age of some of the children, it is shocking to see some of the graphic imagery contained within the pictures. Many include buildings being bombed by tanks and aeroplanes, surrounded by dead bodies and splashes of blood.

One such picture has been painted by Abdulstraman Zayed, aged just nine, and who has been living in the Al Abrar camp for three years.

A series of pictures, painted by Douha Khalil, 13, show a very wary and mature take on the media representation of the refugee struggle. Written underneath the picture is her dream of owning a bike, which brings home how young these children are.

old

’These children grew old before their time, said Baraa. ’One of them said to me "I feel like I’m an old child". When we asked him "What is an old child?" he said, "I don’t know. I just feel it."’

However, there are also incredibly positive pictures included too. Many pictures express love and friendship, and, more importantly, hope that one day they will be able to go back home.

Kawther Khali, aged 16, is one such artist.

’Kawther, she is a child bride,’ said Baraa. ’She was married when she was fourteen. Her story and her struggle and plight is featured in our book. She was very open about it.

’When we asked her "are you OK with us writing your story?" She said "Yes. I want as many people as possible to hear it".’

The purpose of the exhibition is to help raise both funds and awareness for the plight of the children living in the camps. Prints of each picture can be purchased, and a book and CD are also available.

Baraa has also been giving talks, both at Noa Bakehouse and to groups of high school students.

’The reaction of the school pupils varies because they can relate to these children who are their age. Some kids feel very emotionally driven by it, some feel that they want to get involved and help and change.

’Childhood and art are a universal language and can be understood by anyone, anywhere.

’It’s a very good way of connecting people, because once we relate to each other as humans, we focus on our similarities, rather than our differences. We move forward. If we keep focusing on differences, we keep making our lives harder and we care less.’