This was a second exhibition curated for Lens on Life, displaying the works of the Barika Asylum Seeker Camp’s photography workshop also taught by Niga Salam, in collaborations with KSC. Sulaymaniyah, October of 2024
Curator Note:
In the heart of a refugee camp near Sulaymaniyah in Iraqi Kurdistan, a group of young artists is harnessing the transformative power of photography to amplify their voices and visions. Their exhibition, “Outside of Square,” emerges from a profound blend of resilience, creativity, and a determined commitment to addressing urgent global issues within their community, defying the constraints they face.
This exhibition transcends traditional displays; it is a powerful testament to art’s ability to dismantle barriers and provoke thought. Each artist engages with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), capturing and interpreting themes that resonate deeply within their lived experiences and broader global contexts.
The title, “Outside of Square,” reflects both the physical and metaphorical spaces these photographers inhabit. The square-shaped installations symbolize the limitations of their immediate environment, while the images that extend beyond these confines represent their aspirations to break free and pursue a more liberated existence. These artworks challenge viewers, inspiring critical reflection and dialogue.
From climate action to gender equality, peace, and justice, the pieces on display provide a raw and honest lens into the realities faced by those who have endured profound hardships. Each frame tells a story, inviting you to engage with their truths.
We invite you to step outside your own squares of understanding and immerse yourself in the powerful narratives these young artists present. Their work serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative potential of art as a vehicle for change.
May this exhibition inspire you to reflect on the issues at hand and amplify the voices of those who, despite their challenges, continue to strive for a better world.
