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"our home" refugee week 2024
Swiss Cottage Library 19 - 27 July
As a contribution to this year's Refugee Week, WE RESTART is proud to present the works of the artists in residence at the A.R.I.A. Hub: Leo August (Ukraine), Khrystyna Khmil (Ukraine), Alaa Shasheet (Syria), DavidSohanpal (Malesya), Sujata Setia (India), and Maisson Hassan (Sudan), who also features a solo show "Sudan: Stolen Dreams".
This year, we support the theme "Our Home" through the unique perspectives and sensitivities of our artists. Whether they are asylum seekers, refugees, or migrants, they are all displaced individuals who, for now, may call London their home. But what does "home" truly mean? Is it the feeling of being welcomed or merely accepted? Is it the place where you recognize familiar flavours, the intensity of light and colours, the smell of something known? We hope our artists in residency will always consider WE RESTART their home—a place to nurture their talents and feel welcome.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Camden Council, City of Sanctuary, and Swiss Cottage Library for giving us the opportunity to showcase the works of these talented artists.
To learn more about Refugee Week, follow the link: https://refugeeweek.org.uk/
Exhibitions:
Our Home (Group Show)
Sudan: Stolen Dreams (Solo Show)
Venue:
Swiss Cottage Library
1 Regency Parade Belsize Park
London NW3 5EQ
Dates:
19 - 27 July
Monday to Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Left: Composition 30-23 by Alaa Shasheet
(Acrylic & Mixed Media On Canvas 61x76CM)
SUDAN: STOLEN DREAMS
The exhibition
"Sudan: Stolen Dreams" is a compelling series of mixed-media collages on canvas that delves into Sudan's complex history and ongoing struggles. Through a powerful visual narrative, the exhibition highlights the resilience of the Sudanese people while acknowledging the historical tensions and repeated military coups that have shattered hopes for democracy since independence. Central to this narrative is the crucial role of Sudanese women, whose relentless efforts to secure democratic rights, inclusivity, and equality are prominently honoured. Their fight for women's rights adds a profound layer of complexity to Sudan's story, showcasing their unwavering determination in the face of adversity.
"Sudan: Stolen Dreams" aims to honour the indomitable spirit of the Sudanese people and bring much-needed attention to a nation often overlooked in global conversations. Despite its vibrant cultural heritage, Sudan's journey towards democracy has been repeatedly obstructed by a cycle of military coups, stealing the dreams of its citizens. By raising awareness about Sudan's intricate past and present, this project fosters solidarity with the Sudanese people in their pursuit of a unified and democratic future. Through Maisson Hassan's evocative collages, the exhibition seeks to engage audiences in a meaningful dialogue about Sudan's resilience and the critical role of women in shaping its future.
My dreams were stolen
A letter by Maisson Hassan
My earliest memory is vivid. In 1985, I was seven, standing with my family outside my grandparents' house, which overlooked the airport. We witnessed a seemingly endless stream of people. Young and old, men, women, and children, marched with a unified, powerful voice. Their voices, strong and unwavering, pulsed through the air. Clueless, I turned to my mother, who explained they were protesting against Nimeiri's regime. We joined them.
Four years later, the fragile democracy that followed was snatched away by al-Bashir's coup. I grew up under his oppressive rule, witnessing the damage inflicted on Sudan and its people. In the 90s, the war with South Sudan was fueled by the forced recruitment of young men, and turned them into pawns in a so-called Jihad, only to be declared martyrs by a deceitful government. The genocide in Darfur and South Kordofan. The corruption and the suffocating laws, especially against women. The Public Order Law, which was a shackle on our freedom of expression.
This regime stole a large chunk of my life. Regardless, I refused to leave Sudan. This land, fractured as it may be, was still my home. I couldn't abandon it to the clutches of those who sought to exploit its vulnerabilities. Instead, I chose to become a social activist, a voice for the voiceless. We, the Sudanese people, had a responsibility to each other, especially the most vulnerable. If we all left, who would fight for the future we so desperately craved? Who would nurture the seeds of hope amidst the ashes? I wouldn't let Sudan become a lost cause. My dream of a democratic nation, where my daughters could flourish, wouldn't die. It would fuel my fight.
After three decades, I found myself back on the streets, this time against al-Bashir. For six grueling months, we raised our voices, demanding democracy. Many friends and family members were lost, their peaceful protests silenced forever. But we managed to remove al-Bashir in April 2019, however, our success was short-lived. Al-Bashir's generals and militia, plunged the country back into war. Now, displaced like millions of others, I seek refuge. My family, scattered.
Despite everything, my love for Sudan runs deep. It's a complex bond – a love-hate relationship. The history, the rich diversity, the vibrant culture of my people – these fill me with pride. But the actions of our own governments leave me filled with anger and frustration.
For years, I've dreamt of a different Sudan, a democratic nation where the voices of the people are heard and respected. A place where my daughters can grow up with dignity.
My dreams were stolen!
Maisson Hassan
About the artist
Maisson Hassan, a self-taught artist with an MSc in Physics, has made significant strides in leveraging art for social change. In 2013, she founded Fandora in her home country, Sudan. This social enterprise, whose name translates to "The role of art in the community," focused on reducing poverty and addressing waste management issues in Khartoum through innovative recycling crafts. Maisson's entrepreneurial spirit was recognized when she became a top-four finalist in the Mashrouy competition for entrepreneurship. She and her team trained hundreds of women in income-generating activities, collaborating with international organizations and local NGOs, while also organizing specialized art workshops for youth and children.
Maisson's impact has been internationally acknowledged. In 2015, she was nominated and selected as Sudan's ambassador for Women Entrepreneurship Day, joining a global team of ambassadors who celebrate and support women and girls worldwide. To further promote recycling art, she initiated and managed Khartoum's first environmental festival, the "Trash Secrets Festival," in 2016, featuring over 40 Sudanese artists who use recycled materials. This festival significantly raised awareness about environmental issues in Sudan. Despite the outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023, which forced Maisson to seek asylum in the UK, she remains determined to rebuild her life. Currently, she is an asylum seeker and has been awarded a studio residency at WE RESTART Charity, participating in the A.R.I.A. Hub programme to continue her work and reach her full potential in a supportive environment.
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