Possible Horizons Art as Refuge

13sep25sep2016
The exhibition features works by artists Ali Abdulla and Anas Rjab, who fled Syria to escape the civil war that has raged since 2011, which has killed more than 280,000 people. The conflict began with protests against the government of President Bashar al-Assad and worsened with the advance of the radical Islamic State group into the territory.

Not since World War II has the world experienced a humanitarian crisis as severe as that of refugees. Fleeing wars, armed conflicts, and religious or ethnic persecution, more than 65 million people—half of them children—have left their place of origin, according to the UN. They left behind their homes and possessions. Some crossed borders after long journeys and sought asylum in other countries, including Brazil. To give a voice to those whose stories have been reduced to statistics or a few lines in the news, the Museum of Tomorrow, in partnership with the Archdiocesan Caritas of Rio de Janeiro, presents the exhibition "Possible Horizons – Art as Refuge," on view from September 13 to 25.

There are 11 works made by four artists from Syria and the Democratic Republic of Congo who took refuge in Rio and were included in the HARP (Humanitarian Art Research Platform) study group coordinated by Felippe Moraes, curator of the exhibition.

A first exhibition by this group was held this year at Fábrica Bhering in the Port Region. HARP's goal is to foster artistic practice as a way to integrate refugee artists into Rio's cultural scene and encourage them to continue their work, even after experiencing trauma.

- Before becoming a statistic, because they are affected by serious sociopolitical problems in the world, they are people with subjectivity, history and creativity to express themselves, tell their stories and also educate the public about art, humanitarian situations and how we can live together sharing the same space - says Felippe Moraes.

According to the curator, more than art, the exhibition will show that the other is more than a portrait of a conflict situation.

"A refugee is a person with dreams, aspirations, and creative drive. And this can be inspiring for us," he adds.

Art as a refuge

The exhibition features works by artists Ali Abdulla and Anas Rjab, who fled Syria to escape the civil war that has raged since 2011, which has killed more than 280,000 people. The conflict began with protests against the government of President Bashar al-Assad and worsened with the advance of the radical Islamic State group into the territory.

Serge Makanzu Kiala and Keto Kabongo, also featured in the exhibition, crossed the Atlantic Ocean to escape the violence in their country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, one of the richest nations in Africa and which has been facing armed conflict for almost 20 years, mainly caused by power struggles.