ABU DHABI An exhibition named Silent Voices held in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Mall has sounded strong voices of hope and courage from victims of human trafficking. The exhibition presents 81 artworks by 24 women who are living at Ewa’a shelter homes in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.
The fourth edition of Silent Voices is organised by Ewa’a (a non-profit entity) and the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF).
All proceeds from the sale of paintings will go into Ewa’a’s efforts in battling human trafficking and sheltering the victims. The exhibition runs from May 10 to 14 from 10am to 10pm.
Biggest achievements
Yosra Kaddoura, supervisor at Ewa’a, told XPRESS the positive psychological impact the project has on the survivors has been one of the biggest achievements of the exhibition.
“These artworks are powerful self-expressions of their fears and hopes. Each painting tells a story of what they went through. It also reflects their hopes for a better future,” said Kaddoura.
Over the last four months, 24 survivors from three Ewa’a shelters have worked together with UAE-based artist Jennifer Simon in a series of workshops that have resulted in the creation of over 81 artworks expressing individual stories. A large number of handicrafts and decorative plates are also on show. In addition, the exhibition features chairs and tables made by survivors during their stay at the shelter.
Simon told XPRESS most of the women have never painted in their lives. “It was a great confidence-building exercise for them. The sense of achievement they get at the end of the project positively impacts them. They learn to look at the future with confidence and hope.”
