GENOCIDE
Over the course of the last decade, we’ve seen a fantastic selection of work on a huge variety of different conflicts and topics related to them. Below you will find a selection of pieces entered into our international competitions, by young people from around the world. This mini series is a good starting point when considering the many different ways conflict can affect people’s lives. We hope you will dive deeper into many of the topics and learn more.
Please be aware that the information below touches on topics related to war, conflict and its effects. It may therefore not be appropriate for all audiences.
GENOCIDE
The deliberate attempt to eradicate a people (often a national, ethnic, or religious group)
Oxford Reference
'NOTHING TO BE WON'
- SOL (16-18, GUATEMALA)
"... For us to understand what happened, we need to understand what the word genocide means. According to the dictionary it's "the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group".
That's what happened in Guatemala! During a long period of civil war, violence against non combatant Maya communities became genoice. "The deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group..."
CONTEXT
Sol brings attention to the genocide that happened in Guatemala. Maya civilians were killed and displaced by the Guatemalan military during the civil war from 1960-66. This is often referred to as the Silent Holocaust, showing the horrendous crimes committed against the Maya civilians. This tragic period is one amongst many genocides across the globe.
'the story of srebrenica'
- denis (14-16, Bosnia and herezgovina)
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
My painting presents the sorrow of Srebrenica, the contrast between the fascinating landscape, created by nature and man-made destruction. I presented the destruction of homes, lives, memories and souls. It's just emptiness that has remained. Empty souls, houses, playgrounds, yards, burnt photos, letters, toys and dreams. A symbol of hope is the sunshine among the gloomy clouds, because we need to hope for tomorrow.
voices of a post-genocide generation
- bonita (16-18, Rwanda)
"... Mama and Papa - two worn but resilient souls made me years later. Hailing from a dark history and pieces of broken hearts - but here I am.
A voice of a post-genocide generation.
Trying all that I can to honor their struggles and vowing everyday to make it all worth it.
DESCRIPTION
Bonita discusses the importance of remembering and honouring those who struggled and died in genocides. Post-genocide generations offer hope of a brighter future, striving to remember those lost.
We who persevere
- Sofia (11-14, Canada)
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
I recently listened to the Holocaust survivor Georgia Gabor's testimony, and was inspired by her and the resolve of my own ancestors to create my piece. I wanted to depict the strength and resilience of Jewish survivors after the Holocaust, as they did such amazing things with their lives. Georgia Gabor was the sole member of her family who survived the Holocaust, and yet she didn't let this tragedy destroy her. Instead she persevered, earned a Master's Degree, and even wrote a book about her experiences in the Holocaust. I have very similar stories in my own family, as despite the odds, my ancestors who survived escaped to Canada and started new lives. The woman in the painting has a look of hope for the future, yet a single tear as she is still mourning the terrors of her past.
words silenced by sickness
- Amy (16-18, England)
ARTIST'S STATEMENT
Over half of all Syrian refugees are children. These are children being forced to flee their country. They experience fear and starvation as their three meals a day become two and finally one while they sleep in overcrowded, soaked tents. These children experience unspeakable violence and brutality that even adults should not have to experience. Syrian children have lost their loved ones, suffered phsyical and psychological trauma, and missed years of schooling. Their childhood has been stripped from them. My piece reveals a Syrian child in a refugee camp. The rope that is wrapping around him resembles the shape of his mother who he has lost to the violence. He sleeps on a hard brick for a pillow, but his heart still remains soft and pure. Our pillows are soft, but we can not say the same about our hearts if we do not give these children back their childhood.
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