Tabz: The young refugee artist from western Sydney

A young refugee artist from western Sydney holds her first solo art exhibition, weeks before graduating from Western Sydney University.

Tabz A. uses art to highlight the struggles that refugees experience. A series of five drawings, displayed at the exhibition, recount the story of a refugee from Sri Lanka who escaped home in search of safety. However, the scenes in the miniature drawings reflect the key events in the journey of a refugee.

A series of drawing tell the story of a refugee from Sri Lanka. Photo: Shayma Abdellatif

While revealing her work to the public was freighting for her, she says the exhibition was a great learning experience, and that she has been growing ever since. The gained confidence has prompted the young artist to try new styles in hopes of discovering her full potential, without limiting herself to fears of people’s judgment.

Tabz says that art helped cope during some of the most challenges times in her life. Arriving in Australia with her family at the age of 14, with barely any English, Tabz says that art helps her cope during difficult times, and empowers her in profound ways. While her artwork doesn’t necessarily reflect on real life events, she says that her journey and background influence her work.

Art teacher and volunteer with Refugee Arts Project, Zeina Iaali, says that Tabz’s art is powerful and has the ability to invoke emotions of resilience and liberation.

“When you first look at Tabz’s work online, it just doesn’t do it justice…I felt just very like emotional in that exhibition,” she said.

Tabz will be participating in the upcoming Biennale of Sydney art festival, set to be in April 2021.

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