In 2020, 281 million people were displaced from their homes and countries; 36 million were children. The majority of survivor children have a high risk of developing phycological disorders. These children encounter traumatic events during three main stages:

First, they face tragedies during conflicts or wars in their countries. The second stage is that they will be forced to leave everything behind and leave their home to the unknown. The final stage starts with the shocking situation they encounter when they arrive in the new country. They will be faced with massive challenges, e.g., the process of asylum, learning a new language, a new lifestyle, establishing a community, and possibly experiencing discrimination.
These stages of traumatic events after each other show how much a child needs to endure.

My current research focuses on the concept of art expression and art-making as an aid in preventing these traumas. Art in all its forms (music, painting, literature, dance…) is the ancient language that humans can understand and feel.

For this reason, art expression has been used, particularly, for individuals who cannot express their experiences and emotions with words. Creating artwork opens a dialogue between the person, their brain, and physical sensations.

Consequently, it stresses the movement of the hands with the emotions activated during engagement with colors and lines. Art making is the process of non-verbal expression through externalizing emotions and trauma. It is the external image of the internal self.

The creative process of making art and engaging with the colors/ lines creates a language between the person and their pain. This language can be the bridge to make a connection again between the individual and society.

As an artist-educator and agent of change, I attempt to support individuals/survivors by sharing a method that is helpful for expressing emotions and preventing future trauma. I want to create a safe place where they can express their pain, hope, experiences, and stories. The creative process is a dialogue that brings an understanding of the current situation and will set up a new self-confidence.

To investigate deeper into my research, I want to work with children who have come to the Netherlands and are having problems engaging with this community. Their traumas are hidden and are not expressed or worked on enough. This will lead to problems with school, teachers, families, and friends. as a researcher from a similar culture, that helps me understand why many people tend to hide and pretend to forget about their pain.

Therefore, I believe using art as a tool can be the solution to support these children with their journeys and give them the place to find their light again and feel validated as human beings. They fought hard for a second chance in life. Therefore, I think they have the right to be heard and understood to find themselves again.