'War Paint' is an anti-war project that brings together the art work of young people living in war or under occupation as well as artists that have been affected directly or indirectly and have a passion for peace.
Being born and raised in London to Iraqi parents and being unable to visit what I consider home (Iraq) due to the ongoing conflicts left me feeling detached from my heritage and myself. It also created a huge desire for me to reconnect with my roots.
Although I am Iraqi, I cannot speak for those living in Iraq, because I've never lived there or anywhere near conflict. War hasn't just affected one group of people, it has affected the whole world, it has destroyed lives, created generations of unnecessary pain and suffering and is the most effective way to disconnect humans. The belief that "War is inevitable" is wrong. It's a lie, and it's time that we recognise the powerful relationship between creativity and the anti-war movement.
We consistently hear people speaking on behalf of those affected by war but it's important that they get to speak for themselves. This project will showcase art created by the freshest minds (young people aged 1-18) and will give us a real insight to the personal effects of war.
Many artists have dedicated their lives to create incredible art that presents a message, awareness and their personal connection with the subject. There has to be a foundation for people to express such important views. Art is influential in everything; it is alive and it gives life.
This is for the millions of lives affected by the war, this is for humanity.
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