Artists in Exile
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Executive Director, Arts Mid-Hudson
Artists possess an uncanny ability to illuminate situations and circumstances in ways that are both accessible and educational. They can convey personal experiences and observations with remarkable insight. The R.H. Smith Mercantile in Port Jervis, New York, has announced its upcoming exhibition, “Artists in Exile,” set to open on February 15. This exhibition will showcase the works of thirty-three refugee and displaced painters, poets, and photographers. Organized to raise awareness about the global refugee crisis, it also aims to support the efforts of the International Rescue Committee.
Organizer and curator Alex Ginella has been dedicated to this project for quite some time. Staying informed about current events, Ginella discovered that nearly 2% of the world’s population is displaced, prompting him to seek ways to make a meaningful impact. Driven by this realization, he embarked on a journey to engage with fellow artists and learn their stories.
“All of their stories embodied the essence of resilience,” Ginella remarked. “Hearing their narratives was truly inspiring. Even those living in the poorest areas of the town continued to create, and remarkably, they also took the time to teach the youth, instilling hope and fostering change. They steadfastly refused to abandon their art.”
The exhibition features artists from 11 countries: Afghanistan, Haiti, Kuwait, Lithuania (during World War II), Myanmar, Palestine, South Sudan, Syria, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Western Sahara. The exhibition showcases adult artists Lesly Pierre Paul, Mohamed Moulud Yeslem, Samia Masri, Viktoriia Slavinska, Yara Said, Fatima Matar, Emad Kafri, Mahmoud Hariri, Guyodo (Frantz Jacques), Alexis Peterson, Nadia Sharibi, Reem Yassouf, Qahar Behzad, Stanislaus Raubertas, Ro Arfat Khan, Ro Yassin Abdumonab, Mayyu Khan, Jaitun Ara, Omar Salma, Sahat Zia Hero, Mosab Abu Toha, Diala Brisly, Zahra el Hasnaui, Ahtahram Shin, and Mohamed Ebnu. Additionally, the exhibition features artworks created by five children from Haiti and five youths from South Sudan at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya.
Proceeds from the sale of any artwork will be donated to the International Rescue Committee in New York. This organization assists individuals impacted by humanitarian crises in surviving, recovering, and rebuilding their lives. While registration is not required, you can visit AIEshow.com for more information or to purchase tickets. Tickets will also be available at the door for $5, payable in cash or by check made out to the International Rescue Committee.
The exhibition will conclude on March 15 with a screening of “The Story Won’t Die,”; a film by award-winning filmmaker David Henry Gerson and Academy Award-winning producer Odessa Rae. This inspiring and timely documentary offers a poignant glimpse into a young generation of Syrian artists who harness their creative talents to protest and process the world’s largest and longest displacement of people since World War II. The film highlights how these artists rose in revolution and endured exile, reflecting on their struggle for peace, justice, and freedom of expression. It provides an uplifting and humanizing perspective on what it means to be a refugee in today’s world, offering inspiring and hopeful views of a creative response to the chaos of war.
If you go:
Artists in Exile
R.H. Smith Mercantile, 22 Jersey Ave, Port Jervis, NY 12771
Dates: February 15 – March 15, 2025
Opening Reception: Saturday, February 15 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Film Screening: Saturday, March 15 at 5:00 p.m.
Hours: Saturday– Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Weekdays by appointment only)
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