War Paint

'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.

Like the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/War-Paint/305027419511513

March for the alternative/ March 26 2011

Hello hello helloooo!! 


As we all know, the coalition government are making ridiculous cuts (check http://www.ukuncut.org.uk/about/cuts for more information/details on the cuts.) 

So, naturally, the majority of the country disagreed with the cuts and there was a massive protest of around 500,000 people to demonstrate our feelings. The vibes during the whole day were amazing, I've never been to such a varied protest. There were people fighting for schools, nurseries, hospitals, unions, literally everything. 


Anyway, inevitably, it got violent. Which is always a shame, but unless there are millions of protesters out, protests rarely get media attention and violence obviously is 'interesting' news. Yeah I think it's bullshit and I don't believe that violence will solve anything, but a bit of shop smashing will raise A LOT of awareness... 


I was in Trafalgar Square from around 6pm and it was just the nicest, most peaceful thing ever! Everybody was dancing, there were fires to keep us warm, there was loads of music and it was just friendly and nice and stuff!!


It started getting really violent at around 8.45 when a police helicopter came and protesters were kettled. I luckily just ran a lot (people who know me are loling right now) and didn't get kettled but stayed around the Sq until about 1am. 


Overall it was good but I did see police act very brutal towards protesters but obviously there were some good police officers around. When I asked a police officer why he became a police officer, he said "because of the pension and the pay"... whatever floats your boat... 
But yes, some officers were crazy but the three I spoke to were friendly and aware of the situation. I saw about 7 officers on one protester and I also saw a police officer throw a tent. 


As for arrests, I'm not sure of the exact number but I do know that somebody I know was in a cell for 21 hours for no clear reason. ALSO my other friend was nearly arrested and when he asked the police officer why, the officer replied "I don't know yet but i'll have time to pin something together". Right... a bit shocking. 


ANYWAY enough of the blabblabakdbkbkabfkjafh, here are some (A LOT) of pictures from the day/night :) 
Enjoy!