I wanted to produce a painting that really shows the sadness and brutality of the Syrian war and the resulting refugee crisis.
This is a Syrian refugee homeless at the Turkish/Syria border. I decided to use the background colours the same colours as the dry lips of the young refugee as I think this dryness was quite impactful and demonstrated the desperation of the situation. I used a triangular pattern to emphasise the sharp edges of this world and convey a sense of control very much like barbed wire controls the refugees. I painted the barbed wire gold as I feel that like so many of these tragedies it is money that is the root cause

“Wires” is available as a signed limited edition print, please see the “War and Conflict” series on the limited edition print section of the website.

If you would like to commission a portrait please contact James by email james@jamesearleyartist.com or by mobile 0044 7551616352