Art
Numerous survivors of unjustified detention or torture have used art to heal themselves, to cope with their situation, and to communicate their humanity to the outside world. HeaRT is proud to work with some of these artists, helping them bring their art to the wider audiences they deserve, even if, in some cases, the artists themselves are still not free.
Survivors of unjustified detention and torture also turn to writing to make sense of their experiences and educate others. Some of this writing is full of pain, but other pieces show a generosity of hope and joy.
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This exhibition of works made by men held without charge or trial, many for more than 15 years, was first seen at John Jay College, New York City, in 2017. It has since been at the Gordon Gallery, Norfolk, Virginia, the Catamount Film and Arts Co. and is currently in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.
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Organized by DePaul Art Museum staff and curated by contributing artists Amber Ginsburg and Aaron Hughes. The Tea Project, which informs the development of this exhibition, is an ongoing series of installations and performances that create opportunities to engage with local and global histories of war, torture, and confinement. The exhibit features works by torture survivors; those from Guantanamo include HeaRT clients Mansoor Adayfi, Moath al Alwi, Mohammed al Ansi, and Ahmed Badr Rabbani.
More about the DePaul Art Museum exhibition information here
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A Ship from Guantánamo: Filmmakers Veena Rao and Dara Kell's award-winning documentary about Moath al-Alwi’s creation of his ship models. They comment, “The fact that Mr. al-Alwi is no longer able to share his work is one of the reasons we wanted to make this film; as independent documentary filmmakers, we know that the power of our work is fully realized only when we can share it with an audience.” HeaRT is proud to have supported this documentary with a grant.
Watch the short film here:
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Mansoor Adayfi (one of HeaRT’s clients) published his memoirs about his time at Guantánamo in August 2021, on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the opening of Guantánamo Bay. His book describes not only torture, but also the humor and camaraderie among the detainees and even with the guards.
Don't Forget Us Here: Lost and Found at Guantanamo By Mansoor Adayfi
