Desperate Journeys. (2nd May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Adams, Jeff
• Is Part Of: International journal of art & design education. Volume 38:Number 2(2019:Jun.)
• Page Start: 274
• Page End: 279
• Publication Date: 2019-05-02
• Subjects: art education -- Paul Dash -- refugees -- inequality -- common education; Art -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Design -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; 707
• DOI: 10.1111/jade.12221
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1476-8062

Abstract

Abstract: At a time of endemic xenophobia some artists have attempted to resist this trend by depicting its damaging consequences, revealing the inequalities that fuel its disfigurement of human relations and result in mass human displacement. Paul Dash's recent paintings of refugees attempting dangerous and degrading sea crossings are the main subject of this article, and these works are discussed in the context of his negative educational experiences as a child, and his salvation through painting in the sanctuary of his school's art room. This school experience and the trajectory of his artistic career are contextualised by the current marginalisation of the arts in the curriculum and the increasing scarcity of critical and creative approaches to education.