LIVE IN ART is a collaborative exhibition showcasing the work of displaced artists from Ukraine, Iran, Vietnam, Colombia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, united in their exploration of resilience through contemporary art. Curated by multidisciplinary artist and cultural activist Syeda Sadaf Zaidi, the project is the culmination of a two-month creative residency at Common Ground during which the artists have developed a striking array of works that blend traditional techniques with innovative mixed-media approaches.
Weaving individual experiences into a shared visual language, the exhibition celebrates the rich cultural heritage of migrant communities, while offering a collective meditation on survival, identity, and hope. LIVE IN ART invites audiences to engage with urgent questions about home, memory, and the role of creativity in rebuilding lives, proving that art can be both a sanctuary and a catalyst for change.
Participating artists: Syeda Sadaf Zaidi, Yuliya Shkurina, Tetiana Alandarieva, Inna Sheremeta, Oksana Borysova, Tara Gomary, Diana Pimiento C., Lenur Sufianov, Linh Nguyen, Syed Anwar Arif, Hanna Shamardina and Mahdi Mohammadi.
Exhibition opening: Friday 13 June, 5-6.30pm. No need to book – everyone is invited.
Syeda Sadaf Anwar is a Glasgow artist and cultural advocate who explores themes of identity, migration, and community resilience through vibrant mixed-media work. Using paint, photography, text art, and interactive projects, she crafts visually striking pieces that highlight social injustices while celebrating women’s stories across cultures.
Image credit: The voices of displaced artists are expressed through calligraphy and color, reflecting resilience, cultural memory, and the power of creativity to rebuild and connect. Artwork by Syeda Sadaf Anwar
Commissioned by Scottish Refugee Council, in collaboration with Common Ground. Supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.
