Live in Art

LIVE IN ART is a collaborative exhibition showcasing the work of displaced artists from Ukraine, Iran, Vietnam, Colombia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, united in their exploration of resilience through contemporary art. Curated by multidisciplinary artist and cultural activist Syeda Sadaf Anwar, the project is the culmination of a two-month creative residency at Common Ground during which the artists have developed a striking array of works that blend traditional techniques with innovative mixed-media approaches.

Weaving individual experiences into a shared visual language, the exhibition celebrates the rich cultural heritage of migrant communities, while offering a collective meditation on survival, identity, and hope. LIVE IN ART invites audiences to engage with urgent questions about home, memory, and the role of creativity in rebuilding lives, proving that art can be both a sanctuary and a catalyst for change.

Participating artists: Syeda Sadaf Anwar, Yuliya Shkurina, Tetiana Alandarieva, Inna Sheremeta, Oksana Borysova, Tara Gomary, Diana Pimiento C., Lenur Sufianov, Linh Nguyen, Syed Anwar Arif, Mahdi Mohammadi.

Commissioned by Scottish Refugee Council, in collaboration with Common Ground. Supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

Exhibition celebratory opening: Friday 13 June, 5-6.30pm. No need to book - everyone is invited.

Syeda Sadaf Anwar

Syeda Sadaf Anwar is a Glasgow artist and cultural advocate who explores themes of identity, migration, and community resilience through vibrant mixed-media work. Using paint, photography, text art, and interactive projects, she crafts visually striking pieces that highlight social injustices while celebrating women's stories across cultures.

Her innovative approach blends gallery art with public engagement - transforming spaces into dynamic conversations through street installations and community collaborations. These works serve as both artistic statements and powerful records of underrepresented voices.

Syeda gained recognition during Glasgow International 2024, where her bold billboard artworks appeared across the city and were featured in Skinny Magazine. Her unique process combines hands-on community work with deeply personal storytelling, giving voice to those facing systemic challenges.

As an educator, she creates transformative workshops that empower participants to use art for social change, reimagining traditional community art models. Her style weaves together liberation-focused approaches with a signature visual storytelling method that honors both individual and shared experiences.