Exhibition "In darkness lies light..."

Since 2022, I have decided to shed light on the humanity of the homeless people, both through my paintings as through my collaborations. I listened to people I met on the streets, I saw them, I experienced their inherent value and struggles, and I tried to capture that in my paintings.

I hope that my work will contribute to more people opening their hearts to the person sitting right next to them.

Agenda:

15.30 - 16.00 Walk-in with live music

16.00 - 16.30 Opening (speeches, project presentation)

16.30 - 17.30 Discussions and free exploration of the paintings/ stories

17.30 - 18.00 Live music performance

18.00 - 19.00 Discussions and free exploration of the paintings/ stories

Oil paining exhibition, Roxana ALBU

Live music performance, Christophe DELABAERE

More about the event:

Over the years, I've felt the need to bring something tangible to our existence through my art, but not only… The urge to create something meaningful has been fuelled by the belief that people can grow a better world together. I'm convinced that we're all sourced from the same nature - love. So let's not be satisfied with the status quo..... but open our eyes to the needs of those around us.

For many years now, Europe has been the theatre of a social turmoil, witnessing dramatic increases in housing exclusion and homelessness. Homelessness today affects all ages, all genders and all nationalities. Prolonged episodes of homelessness and the diversification of the profiles of those concerned reflect the dysfunctions inherent in our protection systems and housing markets. The pandemic has been accelerating the surge in people living in extreme poverty and dire living conditions.

In this context, support structures for those in need are struggling to survive and are forced to focus only vital needs, such as access to accommodation, food and healthcare. But people living in poverty and experiencing exclusion often suffer from social isolation, poor physical and mental health, and a lack of autonomy: people with multiple needs represent a further challenge.

And when you're mentally down, and even more, when you feel like you're nothing, it's hard, if not impossible, to get up again.

The aim of this project is to create social change, strengthen social inclusion and change public perception around exclusion. Because if we have all the same nature, why do we need to talk about exclusion? Why do we need to experience exclusion?

Let us come together, as arts and homelessness invite us to do, “to use creativity and help each other thrive, not just survive.” You'll discover touching stories and beautiful souls. All you need to do is to see them!

This collection of paintings spotlight those who are experiencing homelessness, seen through the eyes of an artist, a testament of a precious moment together….