GUEST BLOGGER
Paige Emery
ARTIST, paigeemeryart.com
This article originally appeared in The WVoice, a monthly online publication disseminated by our
PARTNERS Women’s Voices Now, advocating women's rights through film.
The Syrian war has affected millions of people both young and old, forcing them out of their homes leaving them with nothing and nowhere to go. I have been deeply saddened by these devastating events. Being an artist, I decided to utilize my skills to create portraits of refugees to spread awareness in the hope of encouraging others to help, and discouraging racism and negative preconceptions about immigration.
It is difficult for those unaffected by the Syrian war to understand the destructive consequences it has had on civilians. Over 11 million Syrians have been killed or forced to flee their homes due to severe bombing and crimes of rape, torture, and corruption.
IN NEED OF AID. PASTEL ON PAPER. 9” X 12”. 2015.
Rafts have been carrying refugees over the perilous sea where thousands have drowned – many of whom were sold defective life vests that cause their wearers to sink instead of float.
The UN Refugee Agency estimates that women and children make up to 80 percent of the inhabitants in refugee camps. After escaping from the horrors of war, they are faced with new horrors of the camps. Women are especially at risk of exploitation, dealing with sexual harassment, human trafficking, and violence.
Refugees are stuck in limbo while they wait for asylum. Unable to work or go to school, many dream of getting degrees, jobs, and following their passions. In numerous cases women were granted asylum, raising their hopes, only to later be rejected because of unjust suspicions. In the United Kingdom an average of 62 percent of women’s asylum claims are rejected each year. In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orban claimed, “Europe is being overrun by refugees who threaten to overwhelm its economy and security,” and miles of steel fencing have been built along its borders. Dozens of United States’ governors announced they would not accept Syrian refugees in their states. And after Britain’s recent vote to leave the European Union, Calais refugees who have been waiting for years to join their families 20 miles away in the United Kingdom fear they will not be able to complete their long journey.
All of my artwork featured in this article as well as additional pieces on my website are for sale. I will personally be donating all proceeds to Hand in Hand For Syria – a nonprofit aid agency who delivers aid directly to the refugee camps. Please contact me directly for art purchases.
Paige Emery, is a Los Angeles-based artist with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from
Laguna College of Art and Design. Her expressionistic work is created with bold strokes to emphasize the rawness of moments frozen in time, as well as the touch and labor of her hands creating the work. Emery uses art as her voice in documenting contemporary culture and society. She illustrates people she knows, cares for, and empathizes with. Many of her drawings, paintings, and prints capture moments of empowerment, longing, vulnerability, and truth, whether struggling for independence or striving with it.
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