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Medya Armani had to flee from Ras al-Ayn (Serêkaniyê) in 2019 when the Turkish army and affiliated local mercenaries took over control of the Kurdish town located in North East Syria. In the new life she started in Qamishli, she has continued with her artwork.
Medya used to work as a teacher in Ras-al-Ayn before the town was besieged by the Turkish forces and the local jihadists backed by Turkey. After she fled to Qamishli, she joined the Malfa Arts Centre to receive an education in painting, which has always been her passion.
“The way leading to art is a long one and it is too early to describe myself as an artist, but I am moving in that path and I am still at the beginning of the road,” Medya said.
Having been working on her paintings for over a year now she has staged a number of exhibitions. Living in Qamishli, Medya has stated that her life has definitely changed in a multitude of ways given the free environment which enables her to express herself through her art.
“The Rojava revolution has paved the way for us women artists. The revolution opened a wide public space for us to engage in. There has been a great transformation in perspectives towards women in society. The hidden talents of women have been revealed,” she said.
Medya also clarified the message she wants to convey through her artwork. “My paintings represent peace, nature and women and they also symbolise the co-existence of many religions in our region, where we live in peace. I express my longing for my city and my pain through my paintings as well.”
