“The Refugee’s Armour” is an art exhibition by Miriam McConnon at the Diatopos Centre for Contemporary Art in Nicosia, showcasing paintings and sculptures depicting the lives of young male refugees. It challenges the singular label of ‘refugee’ by sharing their multifaceted stories through art, offering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
What is “The Refugee’s Armour” exhibition about?
“The Refugee’s Armour” is an art exhibition by Miriam McConnon at the Diatopos Centre for Contemporary Art, depicting the lives of young male refugees. It showcases paintings and sculptures featuring personal objects that symbolize their journeys, struggles, and hopes for the future. The exhibition challenges the singular label of ‘refugee’ by sharing their multifaceted stories through art.
Unveiling the Journey through Art
The Diatopos Centre for Contemporary Art in Nicosia is poised to launch an evocative exhibition before the month of November concludes. Titled “The Refugee’s Armour,” it’s a creation by Miriam McConnon, offering a poignant exploration of young male refugees’ lives. McConnon’s series of paintings and sculptures feature personal objects that are more than mere belongings; they encapsulate their harrowing journeys, the struggle for integration, and their future ambitions.
A Layered Narrative
The depth of this exhibition stems from its focus on the multitude of experiences that these young men have endured, effectively challenging the singular label of ‘refugee.’ For two decades, McConnon has been capturing human narratives through the medium of everyday objects. Her latest works are the result of heartfelt interviews with young men uprooted by conflict. They’ve shared their experiences concerning trauma, memory, safety, politics, and the collective responsibility for conflict resolution. Through McConnon’s artistic lens, their personal stories of past and hope take physical form.
The Project’s Scope and Reach
“The Refugee’s Armour” is a project with its roots in the support of the Irish Arts Council. Its initial phase was a solo exhibition held at the Olivier Cornet Gallery in Dublin this past September. By situating the exhibitions in Nicosia and Dublin, the project casts a light on the geographic and symbolic edges of the European Union, underscoring the reality that freedom of movement remains a privilege rather than a universally accessible right.
The Exhibition Details
With a focus on psychological ‘armour,’ the exhibition places personal belongings and clothing at the forefront, providing these objects the stage to convey deeply human stories. The Nicosia gallery will host “The Refugee’s Armour” from November 25 to December 20. Adding to the experience, there will be a special screening of “A Night of Riots,” a short film by the Cypriot director Andreas Sheittanis, scheduled for December 2.
Visit the Exhibition
“The Refugee’s Armour” awaits visitors at the Diatopos Centre for Contemporary Art, located in the heart of Nicosia. The doors open on November 25, with an opening night event at 7 pm. For those interested in visiting, the exhibition will remain open Monday through Friday from 5 pm to 8 pm and on Saturdays from 11 am to 1 pm. For more information and a glimpse into the exhibition, art enthusiasts can visit www.diatopos.com.
Please note that this article is meant to provide a comprehensive overview of the exhibition and does not include personal reflections or conclusions.
Quick Recap
- “The Refugee’s Armour” is an art exhibition by Miriam McConnon at the Diatopos Centre for Contemporary Art in Nicosia, showcasing paintings and sculptures depicting the lives of young male refugees.
- The exhibition challenges the singular label of ‘refugee’ by sharing their multifaceted stories through art, offering hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
- The exhibition features personal objects that symbolize the refugees’ journeys, struggles, and hopes for the future.
- The project is supported by the Irish Arts Council and has had a solo exhibition in Dublin before coming to Nicosia.
- The exhibition will be held at the Diatopos Centre for Contemporary Art from November 25 to December 20, with special events including a screening of “A Night of Riots” on December 2.
