Children Of Jerusalem: Painting Pain, Dreaming Peace

"I wanted to win but now I want peace". Says Bassam, 10 years old. "My dream is that there won't be attacks, there'll be fewer dead and I will have more friends." Says Danit, 9 years old.

Imperial War Museum North & the Ben Uri Gallery, The London Jewish Museum of Art, present a small but remarkable display of art by Israeli and Palestinian children from the divided city of Jerusalem, which was launched to international acclaim in Jerusalem before travelling to Geneva, London and now Manchester.

This collection of vibrant and moving paintings was created in the midst of the Intifada, by children divided by religion and beliefs, but drawn together by their fear of conflict and their longing for a peaceful future together.

This three year multicultural project was inspired by Kitty O Cohen (Chair of the Institute for the Study of Religions and Communities in Israel) and Mohammad Abu Kaf (Director of The East Jerusalem Department of the Social Affairs Branch of the Municipality of Jerusalem), who saw the vital role of the creative arts in nourishing dialogue and mutual respect between communities.

The children spent two years working with Israeli and Palestinian artists and the paintings they produced show how art can build a bridge between people and nations and across a cultural, religious and political divide.

At the start of the project the children worked separately, each group expressing their own experience of pain and fear through art. They then met each other and enjoyed joint workshops led by Israeli and Palestinian artists. The resulting paintings trace their emotional journey from fear to friendship, from suspicion to mutual trust.

The violence surrounding their daily lives has affected children from East and West Jerusalem alike. Shattered dreams, frustration and deep fear were shared by children of both groups. The project aimed, above all, to give voice to the children, to provide them with the opportunity to express their emotions, and to restore their dreams by means of artistic creativity. Kitty O Cohen.

In line, colour and collage, their paintings capture the reality of life in Jerusalem and project the happiness and peace children dream about.

Organised by The Institute for the Study of Religions and Communities in Israel and the East Jerusalem Department of the Social Activities Branch, Municipality of Jerusalem. Toured by the Ben Uri Gallery: The London Jewish Museum of Art.

By www.iwm.org.uk