Sanctuary Artists — CHARIS refugees

Bath Abbey 3-30 June 2024

All the artists in this exhibition have one thing in common; they have all sought sanctuary in Somerset to escape war, persecution or political unrest.

Some have been granted refugee status by the UK government and are building new lives here; others are asylum seekers waiting to hear whether they will be allowed to stay in the UK. They are from more than six countries.

SANCTUARY Artists is an eclectic mix of experience and styles. There are professional artists who lectured in art in their home countries, and others who had not picked up a paintbrush until very recently.

The artists regularly attend groups hosted by CHARIS Refugees. These are non-judgmental spaces where they are free to express themselves using colour, shape and form, and where they are able to rediscover a sense of self through individual journeys in paint.

The Sanctuary Artists exhibition is open from 10am-4pm daily. Entry is included in general admission to Bath Abbey.

Scroll across to read the biographies of all 16 artists.

Igor

I am from Ukraine. I draw because it is one of my most important ways of expressing myself. And for me this is important because this is my language of communication with modern reality. All my life, as far as I can remember, I have always drawn something.

I paint because it gives me a moment where I can breathe tranquillity. I think art is important. I do not feel I am an artist – I just have my moments.

Galina

I am from Ukraine. I painted as a child but left it in adult life as I had no opportunity until I moved to England and to Charis Art group.

Elham

Elham is from Iran. She arrived in the UK last year, appreciating the feeling of safety and enjoying discovering and developing her painting skills.

Safaa

I am Kurd from Syria. I came to the UK in 2021. I have a passion for art and design. When I draw I feel like I am doing something positive for me and for people interested in art.

I am from Afghanistan and I arrived in the UK last year. I like painting. I like to draw flowers very much.

Kotub

I am from Syria and I arrived in the UK in 2019. In the UK I felt happy and reassured. I feel that painting achieves both physical and intellectual psychological balance.

Ati

I am an artist from Iran. I have been in England for one year. I am very serious about my art. I find art very helpful for my mental health and in our art groups we are very sociable and I have made lots of friends which has helped my mental health.

I am a refractory ceramic chemist and R&D chemist. I work on ores, clays and minerals and by using these produce ceramic and raw materials from different techniques.

Houman

I am from Iran. For me Painting has been an on-going energy in my life. Art flows in everyone’s life: some people feel it and follow it. We have been living with art for more than 30 years and I follow its energy as an artist.

Yuliia

I am from Ukraine. I draw to understand myself better. And art also brings pleasure in itself. Is art important? It would seem .. art in itself is useless. You can’t dig up potatoes with a painting. And that is why art is infinitely important.

I think painting is more than decoration. It can help to connect people around the world.

I like painting trees which are very important for the environment. They give us shade and cool places and help prevent soil erosion.

I like painting because it helps me avoid overthinking and so it makes me feel better. I have only just started painting, it has been three months now. I am a beginner but I definitely want to learn and improve as much as I can.

Monir

I am from Iran. Someone said, ‘I do painting to bring a little bit of beauty to the eyes and souls.’ I have painted since childhood but I want to be able to paint my own feelings and ideas.

I am from Iran. I paint because I am very interested in artistic works, including painting and music: I feel relaxed when I am doing them. I have loved painting and music since I remember.

Kateryna

I’m from Ukraine. I paint because it gives me meaning of life and the opportunity not to think about tomorrow, which I cannot plan. Art for me is cathartic, an unconditional freedom in the moment.

Some of these have been anonymised for security reasons.

Appeal for donations

CHARIS is creating a permanent home for Sanctuary Artists in Somerset. We have bought a premises in the centre of Taunton which we’re developing into a creative space for all nationalities.

There will be space for exhibitions, workshops, world food, music and more.

Although we have purchased a building, there is much work needed to make our dream a reality. We need to create a kitchen, install a disabled access toilet and storage and washing station for materials, and decorate throughout.

If you would like to support this exciting initiative please click here.

More information about the UK asylum system

People leave their homes and come to the UK for many reasons. People are fleeing war, persecution and poverty; are coming to join family in the UK; are coming here to work or study. It’s not easy to make it here, and when people arrive the struggle isn’t over. People are often faced with a hostile environment denying them basic rights, and major obstacles to establishing their legal rights to stay.

Whether you are a refugee, an asylum seeker, or simply interested to learn more about the UK asylum system, we recommend visiting Right To Remain website.