A group of Hume immigrants is exhibiting art to share their culture, while also showing the hardships of life in Iraq.
More than 30 artists have donated paintings and drawings to Touches of Mesopotamia, now showing in Craigieburn.
Bassem Sako, a Hume resident of 15 years, says the exhibition is a chance to show the good and bad sides of Iraq to their new compatriots.
“We show our culture and our pain, but we also want to show the beauty of Iraq.” Mr Sako, who gained a fine arts degree in his homeland, is showing three oil paintings in the exhibition.
He left Iraq shortly after turning 30 to search for a more peaceful life in Australia.
“In Iraq, we can’t live in peace. We love Australia because it defends human rights and there isn’t much discrimination.”
Touches of Mesopotamia is at Gee Lee-Wik Doleen Gallery, Craigieburn, until March 8.
By Samantha Walker
