WYNWOOD, Fla. – The Refuge in Paint exhibit is a powerful reminder that in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
It’s a journey into refugee camps in Jordan, Turkey and Iraq through the eyes of children displaced by the conflict in Syria.
"We wanted to take the stories of children who ignited the revolution and bring it into children's artwork and children free expression is what makes a society what it is," Samantha Robinson, aptART founder.
The exhibit is on display at the Nader Art Museum affords people the opportunity to experience the life millions of Syrians have endured for years.
Electric cables tie the camp together.
The hands of the most innocent extend through a fence of barb wire and a light box gives you 360 degree look at life at a camp.
"Art is what makes us human and that's what they are saying," Gary Nader, of the Nader Art Museum said.
Wednesday's unveiling included a panel discussion on the importance of understanding the Syrian plight.
A life Nour Hunaidi could no longer endure when she left Syria in 2013 and re-settled in Miami six months ago.
Since arriving in Miami, she has enrolled at Atlantis University where she is working on a master's degree in business. She has also started volunteering with organizations, including the World Relief Organization, which helped her come to the United States.
"Children all over the world as Samantha said, are the same. They think the same, they believe the same and they believe in the same thing. They see the world from certain eyes," Hunaidi said.
Curators are hoping the exhibit will expose people to a side of the conflict not usually seen: the hope that remains amid the despair.
The exhibit ends with pieces of art done by children in camps.
Creations come in bright colors and self-portraits that include smiles.
"Even though they've been through hell, darkness, you will still see colors all over the walls. That's childhood and every child is the same," Hunaidi said.
The exhibit opens to the public on Thursday and runs through April 21.