Through colours: Artists paint perils of illegal migration

Event held to make youth aware of consequences that follow

PESHAWAR: The plight youth face by illegally migrating was highlighted through paintings by artists at an event at Sarhad University on Monday. Through the paintings that the artists made on the spot, they meant to convey the cons of the treacherous journey to the youth.

“Art not only preserves culture but also enhances it. It is a creative medium to highlight serious issues that exist in our society,” Ali Sajid, senior watercolourist, told The Express Tribune. “The purpose of this venture is to make youngsters aware of the perils involved in illegal immigration.”

Through their paintings, they also highlighted the factors which compel youth to leave their homes without knowing the perils involved in the illegal journey. “The aim will be to create a realistic image of illegal migrations for those who [wish to] embark on such a hazardous journey,”
said Sajid.

He added art can play an interactive role in engaging people and understanding critical issues since artistic creation and expression serve as a powerful vehicle for discussion and debate.

Advice on canvas

“We are well aware of the risks involved in such a migration as my own brother had fled his home,” said another artist, Zakir Khan, whose painting showed blood soaked footsteps on the canvas. Fortunately, his brother came back after two weeks and narrated the difficulties he faced on the way.

It was on the basis of that experience that Zakir made his painting. “They walked continuously for 15 days on thorny roads,” Zakir said. He added through his painting he wants to show the youth it is a very difficult journey that not only destroys one’s young life but also leaves the family grieving for them.

The artist said those who are involved in this “heinous crime” allure the youth by showing them that “the grass is greener on the other side”. “However, we can play our role to counter them through our art and make them aware that it is one of the most dangerous journeys in the world.”

Farooq Siyal, an artist from DI Khan, said, “Illegal immigrants either languish in prisons in other countries or are deported back home.”

In his painting he depicts a young man carrying a small bag on his back to leave for one such journey. The artist said not only should those difficult circumstances be highlighted but they should also raise questions as to why this is happening and why our youth are compelled towards these conditions.

The event was held in association with Society for Human Rights and Prisoners Aid Pakistan, Madadgar helpline service, Ansar Burney Trust and National College of Arts, Lahore. Theatrical performance was also held, along with screening of a film, Journey, bring the point home.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 31^st, 2016.