Faculty of Art

Drawing and Painting

Abrar Al Mouktaran

The Red Box

Through the lens of a little Syrian girl forced to flee her home with her family amidst the chaos of revolution, leaving behind a cherished red box containing family photographs. Despite years of longing and failed attempts, the box is eventually recovered by the protagonist's aunt, serving as a tangible link to their shared history.

“When I was a child, my family owned a rectangular red box containing our cherished family photographs - images capturing moments of my childhood and my parents' wedding. Approximately a year after the start of the Syrian revolution, amidst a chaotic and harrowing night, we fled our home, leaving everything behind. With only what we could carry by hand for our family of six, including our youngest member, aged just nine months, we embarked on a journey of survival. Regrettably, the red box was left behind, buried underground in my family’s abandoned basement, in the futile hope of safeguarding it for a safe return. Little did we realize that the idea of a "safe return" was nothing more than an illusion.After many unsuccessful attempts over the years, my aunt finally succeeded in recovering the box this past summer. To our relief, the cherished photographs it once held were found to be in good condition. Currently, the box rests safely in my aunt's house, a tangible reminder of our shared history.Inspired by its significance, I meticulously crafted a replica, painting it the same colour and filling it with new memories from my last school year. Though not identical, this box serves the same purpose—bridging past and present, symbolizing continuity amidst change. Despite no longer being in Syria nor a child, I remain true to my roots, a constant amidst life's ever-shifting landscapes.”