Tears of Gold: Portraits of Yazidi, Rohingya, and Nigerian Women

British artist Hannah Rose Thomas uses her art to portray the resilience and dignity of women survivors of violence in forgotten corners of the world. Her debut art book features portrait paintings of Yazidi women, Rohingya women, and Nigerian women, along with their own words and self-portraits. Thomas met these women while organizing art projects to teach them how to paint their self-portraits, giving them a voice and ensuring their stories are heard in places of influence. She uses traditional sacred art techniques to convey the sacred value of each woman, highlighting the power of the arts as a vehicle for healing, remembering, inclusion, and dialogue.

Format: Hardback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 06 February 2024
Publisher: Plough Publishing House

A renowned young British artist harnesses her artistic prowess to bring forth the indomitable spirit and unwavering resilience of women survivors of violence in remote corners of the world. Through her debut art book, British artist and human rights activist Hannah Rose Thomas showcases her captivating portrait paintings of Yazidi women who bravely escaped the clutches of ISIS, Rohingya women who sought refuge from the violence in Myanmar, and Nigerian women who weathered the harrowing Boko Haram attacks. Accompanied by their own heartfelt words, poignant stories, and self-portraits, this remarkable collection offers a profound testament to the enduring strength and courage of these remarkable women.

In a poignant final chapter, Thomas presents portraits and narratives of Afghan, Ukrainian, Uyghur, and Palestinian women, each representing a different continent and faith. These portraits, which depict women from diverse backgrounds, serve as a visual embodiment of war, injustice, and human suffering. However, they also showcase the unwavering resilience and indomitable spirit of these survivors. Many of the women have endured the unimaginable trauma of sexual violence, while all have faced persecution and forced displacement solely due to their faith or ethnicity.

The journey to capture these portraits took Hannah Rose Thomas to Iraqi Kurdistan, Bangladeshi refugee camps, and Northern Nigeria. There, she organized art projects aimed at empowering women by teaching them the art of self-portraiture. Through these projects, Thomas provided these women with a platform to reclaim their personhood and self-worth, offering them a safe space to share their stories and ensuring that their voices reached influential corners of the Global North.

Hannah Rose Thomas employs traditional sacred art techniques, such as early Renaissance tempera and oil painting, alongside the use of gold leaf, to convey the profound sacred value of each of these women. Despite the immense hardships they have endured, Thomas seeks to restore their dignity and honor through her artistic expression. This symbolic restoration of dignity holds particular significance in the face of the pervasive stigma surrounding sexual violence. Hannah's work serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of the arts as a vehicle for healing, remembrance, inclusion, and meaningful dialogue.

Beyond the realm of news headlines, Thomas' artistic endeavors continue to resonate, reminding us of the importance of compassion, empathy, and solidarity in the face of adversity. Her portraits serve as a powerful reminder that these women are not alone, and that their stories deserve to be heard and celebrated. Through her art, Thomas has created a bridge between different cultures and faiths, fostering understanding and promoting a collective commitment to addressing the global issue of violence against women.

In conclusion, Hannah Rose Thomas' debut art book is a testament to the indomitable spirit and resilience of women survivors of violence. Through her captivating portraits and heartfelt narratives, Thomas brings attention to the plight of these women and showcases their remarkable strength and courage. Her artistic endeavors serve as a powerful catalyst for change, fostering empathy, understanding, and a collective commitment to ending the cycle of violence against women. Let us continue to support and uplift the voices of these survivors, as they work towards rebuilding their lives and creating a brighter future for generations to come.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 211 x 261 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636080802