AHMED ABUNADA was born in the Gaza Strip (Palestine) in 1996. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Al-Quds Open University in Gaza.

His artistic style is defined by hyper-expressive realism, often blending classical techniques with modernist elements. Ahmed works across various mediums—including traditional oil painting, charcoal, comic illustration, and digital art, choosing materials that best suit the concepts he explores.

In 2016, Ahmed worked as a drawing trainer with World Vision International. Since 2017, he has been active as a freelance digital artist, and in 2023, he also taught art at the British International School in Gaza.

He has exhibited his work in numerous art exhibitions in Palestine, Italy, France, and Egypt. Between 2023 and 2024, he was a member of the Hawaf Art Group.

Due to the ongoing genocide in his homeland, Ahmed was forced to flee multiple times. He eventually sought refuge in Egypt and now resides in Sydney, Australia.

Maryam Hosseini (b. 1994) is an Afghan artist who has dedicated over 15 years to the field of visual arts. Her work spans various styles, including Realism, Surrealism, Abstract, and Impressionism, employing diverse techniques such as oil paint, watercolor, gouache, colored pencils, and charcoal. Maryam’s art primarily focuses on abstract themes, with each piece conveying a profound message for her audience.

Maryam honed her skills at several esteemed art institutes, including the Azhang Visual Arts School, Kaghaz-e-Kahi Visual Arts School, Taranom-e-Mehr Visual Arts School, and the Persian Miniature Association. Additionally, she led the Refugee Artists’ Working Group in the city of Shahriar, Iran under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and Art.

Her artwork has been featured in numerous exhibitions, such as the Human Rights Day exhibition at Macquarie Bank and the World Refugee Day exhibition at Parramatta Police Station in 2024. She has also participated in group exhibitions in Tehran in 2023, 2015, 2014, and 2012, and showcased her work at the ECO Cultural Institute in Tehran in 2021. Maryam has received official recognition from the Afghan Embassy and the General Directorate for Refugees and Immigrants Affairs in Iran. Her work has been featured in international exhibitions at the University of Tehran, Payam Noor University (2014), and Kharazmi University (2013).

Throughout her career, Maryam has garnered multiple awards, including second place nationally in the 2015 Art Competition and first place in local art competitions in 2014, 2013, 2011, 2010, and 2009 in Shahriar. She was also a member of the Refugee Scholars and Artists Association in Iran in 2014.

Hosna Saif’s journey is one of resilience and hope.

Born and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan, she grew up surrounded by challenging circumstances that made pursuing her dreams difficult. Though she discovered a deep passion for art, drawing, and painting, her dreams of higher education were shattered under the Taliban’s rule, leaving uncertain about her future.

In search of freedom and new opportunities, Hosna left Afghanistan and moved to Pakistan, where she won a prize for a drawing titled “Gender Equality”. This experience reinforced her commitment to advocating for women’s rights through art.

Eventually, Hosna and her family moved to Australia, where she found a chance to rebuild her dreams. Now settled in her new home, she is determined to pursue a law degree, aiming to make a positive impact while continuing her artistic journey.

The hardship she witnessed in her homeland became a powerful inspiration for her art. Her art, which includes a powerful collection of charcoal works, tells her story of perseverance and growth. Hosna’s journey is about rediscovering her aspirations and finding her voice. She hopes her story and her arts will inspire others who face similar struggles, showing that even in difficult circumstances, it’s possible to rise and thrive.

I use my work to explore themes of freedom, women’s rights, resilience, and identity. Inspired my journey from Afghanistan to Australia, my art includes both symbolic pieces and portraiture. Each reflects both personal and universal struggles, often highlighting the strength with vulnerability. Art is my voice, speaking for those who can’t.