As part of its aim to rehabilitate and integrate the women into society, Ewa’a recently held painting workshops in association with the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF). Jennifer Simon, who has worked with ADMAF on various projects, was one of the artists that was involved in the programme.
Jennifer says she got involved to give the women a pleasurable experience and the opportunity to do something they had never done before. “I wanted them to create work that they will be proud of and to teach them skills that they can carry on with in the future,” says Jennifer.
Jennifer firmly believes that involvement in the visual arts has a healing effect for women who have suffered trauma and allows them to release tension and stress through the experience. “Visual art is a powerful medium; it gives people a chance to express their inner emotions and, for a short period, to concentrate on something other than their own personal problems.”
At the start of the session, Jennifer assessed the skill level of the women and provided them with inspiration through art books. She says that most of the women had no prior painting experience; however they soon overcame their inexperience and language barriers to reveal their stories through the paintbrush. “By the time the session was over, they were creating paintings solely from their imagination.”
The pictures revealed a thousand words, showing destroyed dreams, turmoil and pain the women have suffered. Jennifer says the highly expressive images spoke of an abuse of trust and a betrayal of mankind that deeply touched her. “I had to put a wall up when I did the workshops. It was extremely painful to hear their stories and what they had endured.”
Reassuringly though, many of the paintings convey a deep sense of hope and a positive outlook for the future. Despite the sadness, the courage, strength and determination of these women shine through, says Jennifer.
Jennifer’s favourite piece from the exhibitions is ‘The Tree of Life’ installation which the women created and decorated from recycled products. “The idea was that the girls could write their feelings and experiences on the tree to represent the process of growing. It had an effect on everyone who came to see it, and I really felt a sense of community in Abu Dhabi through this activity.”
Jennifer says she is lucky to have been part of the painting workshop organised by Ewa’a and ADMAF. “One of the girls came to the exhibition the day after the opening, and that was very emotional for everyone involved. What was most amazing was seeing the transformation in her spirit; when she first joined the workshops she was in a dark place but after the exhibition she looked like she had a new lease of life.”
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By Liz Kinane
