As an artist, my work emerges from a deep connection to human experiences. My artistic journey reflects a personal voyage intertwined with the stories of those facing migration crises around the world. My paintings evoke the narratives of those fleeing violence, persecution, and injustice in search of refuge, dignity, and hope.

In 2015, when the Syrian migration crisis erupted, I realized there was widespread misinformation about the situation. Compelled to witness and understand it firsthand, I traveled to the island of Lesvos, Greece, where thousands of people were arriving by sea each day. There, I met families from Syria and Afghanistan, sharing laughter and tears, offering embraces, and finding ways to console them in their grief.

Through my paintings, I use a vibrant palette—reds, pinks, yellows, and greens—contrasted with neutral tones like gray and brown. I incorporate layers of transparency to express the complexity of human emotions. Each brushstroke becomes a meditation on the fragility of life and the continuous struggle for a better future.

One day in my studio, I heard the sound of thousands of birds arriving, perching on power lines in perfect synchrony. In that moment, I envisioned a metaphor: just as birds migrate to warmer places to escape the winter, people migrate to escape war, hunger, and hardship. My work explores this antithesis—the freedom of birds versus the lack of freedom experienced by those seeking refuge.

I believe art has the power to build bridges and foster empathy. In a world often marked by division, my work invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and connect with the stories of others. By addressing themes of social justice and migration, my art creates a space to explore the complexities of identity, culture, and belonging.