GAZA, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- In a modest hall at the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza, visitors paused before a collection of artworks created by children affected by war and displacement, each piece revealing striking emotional depth.
The exhibition, titled "The Path Back Home," opened Monday and runs for three days, featuring about 100 works by children aged six to 14. Organized by the Gaza-based Tamer Institute for Community Education, the exhibition presents artworks produced during workshops held across Gaza, particularly in displacement camps and temporary shelters, since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2003.
Subjects of the displayed artworks range from the aftermath of bombings and ruined neighborhoods to moments of pain and loss, as well as dreams of a more secure future.
Mohammed Zaqzouq, one of the organizers, said the contrast in themes reflects the inner struggle children face between memories of war and their longing for a normal life. He noted that the art workshops were designed to provide a safe space where children could express their experiences through creativity.
"This is not a traditional art exhibition, but a psychological and human space where children can reflect their daily realities," he told Xinhua.
He added that the exhibition's title highlights the central role of "home" in a child's sense of identity. "Through their drawings, children depict not only physical homes, but also memories, meaning, and a sense of self," Zaqzouq said.
Many of the participating children have been displaced at least once, with some forced to flee multiple times and now living in overcrowded shelters with limited access to basic services.
Rana Ahmed, 10, displaced with her family in Gaza City, said participating in the drawing offered an outlet for feelings she could not express in words. "It felt as if the paintings were speaking for me," she said.
Eight-year-old Salma Ibrahim, the youngest participant, said painting her house and a tree helped her share her emotions. "Seeing people look at my work made me feel our voices were being heard," she said.
Ali Ahmed, 12, also from Gaza City, who has been displaced multiple times and lost his home, drew a house near the beach with his family living together inside. He told Xinhua that seeing the collection helped him understand that other children shared similar experiences.
"The paintings made me see what happened differently and reminded me that there is still hope for a normal life," he said.
Tahani Al-Jamal, a visitor of the exhibition, said the drawings honestly reflect the harsh realities children face, including violence, hunger, and deprivation.
Through their paintings, the children communicate their suffering and hopes, offering a perspective on war that extends beyond statistics and reports, Zaqzouq said.
