Exhibition Photographs

Stories From Burnt Oak at artsdepot, Barnet.

Freedom smells like… A handshake and welcome voice Open air For no bars to hold you Sharing a meal with family Everyone preparing dishes of their own country Showering in rows A lavender tree that brings back memories Fragrant roses The sea It takes your breath away’ Poem by Poona, Rebecca, Sharon, Mary, Mavis, Liza, … Continued

In The Garden at the Albany, Deptford.

Joshua, commemorating Leon Greenman. The year is 1994. A brick has been thrown through Leon Greenman’s downstairs window. He receives the message that someone’s out to kill him. He’s 83 years old and lives alone. No family. The glass is repaired, but the house is covered in wire mesh panels for protection. It looks like … Continued

Sara, commemorating Ludwig Berwald, 1883 – 1942. Ludwig was my grandmother’s uncle. Born in 1883 in Prague to Jewish parents, he grew up speaking German and Czech. He was a curious and serious boy, with two siblings, a brother and a sister. His father Max owned a book shop. Ludwig studied mathematics at LMU University … Continued

Jack, commemorating Rebecca Groen Soberski. Rebecca Groen Soberski was my maternal grandfather’s grandmother. Born to a Jewish family in Amsterdam in August 1871. She was murdered in Auschwitz in September 1942. Unfortunately, we know very little else about Rebecca. We have scraps of information, which include an anecdote, several dates and locations, and details of … Continued

Zsofia, commemorating Klara Biro (Frank). Klara was my great-great grandmother, my maternal grandfather’s maternal grandmother. She was born in 1907 to a Jewish family in Budapest, Hungary. Her father and grandfather owned a shop in Andrassy Avenue. She had two younger brothers called Gyorgy and Miklos. Their father died shortly after coming home from serving … Continued

Capturing celebrations at artsdepot’s exhibition, celebrating the stories and communities of Burnt Oak to mark 80 years since the end of World War 2.

Stories From Burnt Oak at artsdepot, Barnet.

Stories From Burnt Oak at artsdepot, Barnet.

A local couple at Wembley Library. The gentleman was there to hear excerpts of his mother’s diary from World War 2.

Stories From Burnt Oak at artsdepot, Barnet.

People gathered at Wembley Library to hear stories of Brent locals during World War 2. Just outside families celebrated as a British Citizenship ceremony took place. Two events happening side by side – one reflecting on the past and another looking forward to the future. A reminder of human resilience.

Archived Stories at Wembley Library, Brent.

Archived Stories at Wembley Library, Brent.

Ghadeer and Trinity Centre, Bristol. The symbol she created on the communal final piece means freedom in arabic: instagram.com/doderianoo.

Image with A1 – the person pictured. These images are a result of an invitation for collaborators to dance with the art piece they collectively created with textile artist Sonja Burnie, Bristol poet Sukina and members of the community.

Derbyshire Libaries, Belper.

Drummers, The Art House, Wakefield.

Ghadeer and Trinity Centre, Bristol.

Children, The Art House, Wakefield.

Hoola Hooper, The Art House, Wakefield.

Zenab & Saihan “Freedom also means standing with our community. Creating spaces where people feel connected, valued, and able to grow. By telling people’s truths and challenging misinformation, we create the conditions for healing and justice.” – Shofa

Freedom looks like… Watching the sunrise Like a hug, having a good laugh about silly things Making our world a safe place Freedom from my husband to go out and explore To walk down my street and be sure I’ll be okay Being able to mingle with all cultures and nationalities The right to associate … Continued

Image by Leticia Valverdes with poet Maggie Hampton and Chapter Arts, Cardiff.

Their chosen song brought the feeling of freedom to their bodies and soul. I moved with them and the art pieces in the most beautiful setting in excellent company.

Shofa & Saihan “For me, freedom is the ability to tell our authentic stories and to hold space for healing. To reshape the narratives placed on us and to protect the truths and histories that often go unseen. Freedom means being able to speak without fear, to challenge silence, and to create space for others … Continued

Shofa Ashok’s Vision was founded by his younger sister Shofa to honour Ashok—a young man whose love for nature, play, and spirituality inspired others. The charity helps young people build resilience, create opportunities and connections, and nurture mental wellbeing.

Comfort & Jasmine “There is natural talent and potential in all young people that simply needs nurturing. Without vision, there is no direction, and every young person should be supported to first realise their vision and then be helped to live it.” – Shofa

Freedom sounds like… Joy and happiness Children Happy jolly good laughter Having to help and care for others Quiet Being alone A cacophony of trees, birds humming People speaking in diverse languages Singing as they go along A sense of real belonging’ Poem by Poona, Rebecca, Sharon, Mary, Mavis, Liza, Ganga, Agnes and Norma

Image by Leticia Valverdes with poet Maggie Hampton and Chapter Arts, Cardiff.

LEVEL Centre, Matlock.

Lincoln Performing Arts Centre.

Lincoln Performing Arts Centre.

Lincoln Performing Arts Centre.

‘Neptune’