WHAT WE CARRY

A VISUAL NARRATIVE OF A PEOPLE DISPLACED, IN SEARCH OF BELONGING, BY TRAM COLWIN

HOW TO EXPERIENCE WHAT WE CARRY

This collection is designed to connect you with the lives of a few members of Northwest Arkansas’ refugee and immigrant community. The still-life watercolor paintings in this collection are of objects that held special significance to the refugees and immigrants who carried them on their journey to America. Together this collection spotlights the unique experiences of families and individuals from 10 different countries across the globe.

As you view the paintings, and read about the participants’ stories, you can also hear in their own words about the events that brought them to Northwest Arkansas, and what they brought with them.

Paintings by Tram Colwin

Videography by Iron Lotus Creative.

Tram’s  Dress - Vietnam

As a young child preparing to leave my home country for good and move to a new land, I remember my siblings and I sifting through our Dragon Ball and Sailor Moon comics, wanting to take everything with us on our journey. In the end, I was only able to carry a few of those toys and items I deemed important at the time. Looking back at this experience as an adult, those once essential items are long gone. This dress, which my mom had tailor-made for me just before our departure, is actually what I hold most dear today. It’s a good reminder not only of my homeland, but also of how small and young I was when we began our new lives here in the United States.

Malath’s IOM Bag - Iraq

How can a simple bag offer hope? For Malath, the bag she carried on her journey from Iraq signified the start of a new life, and the opportunity to live in safety. It’s also a reminder of the more than 100 million other forcibly displaced people around the world, who are still waiting to realize that hope. Many of them are from Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq, just like Malath, and daily risk their lives because of the support they gave to the US and efforts to promote democracy.

Misael’s Watercolor Palette - Guatemala  

Misael left Guatemala to begin a new life with the person he loved. Despite having time to prepare for his move and say his goodbyes, he still found many challenges with leaving home and moving to a totally foreign place. His love for art helped him stay connected to his past while putting down new roots. In true artist fashion, he found creative ways of bringing his painting supplies along on his journey.

Mursal’s Hijab and Jewelry - Afghanistan

As the Afghan government fell to the Taliban in 2021, the world watched in disbelief as chaos ensued at the Kabul International Airport during the US withdrawal. Thousands rushed the airport to seek safety. Mursal found herself in the middle of this chaos, which caused her plans and her life to change before her eyes. Watch her story to witness her resilience and hear how she uses her experiences to help others in similar circumstances.

Mugisha’s Soccer - Rwanda

Growing up in a refugee camp, and spending 22 years as a displaced refugee, Mugisha always found peace and enjoyment in the simple activity of playing football. From his childhood until now, it has also served as a tool for building community and connection. Learn more about this and how he now helps other refugees resettle by watching his video.

Tuka’s Qur’an and Prayer Rug - Syria

When bombs hit Al Zabadani, Syria in 2013, it brought tragedy to Tuka’s life, and forced her family to flee their home country. Her holy book and a cherished prayer rug brought her solace during this difficult time. Watch Tuka’s video to hear how the opportunity to resettle in Northwest Arkansas helped her find light, joy, and hope, despite all the hardships she has faced.

Majidi & Rehema’s Kawa - Democratic Republic of The Congo and Kenya

The cultural differences between Northwest Arkansas and East Africa may be too many to count, but Majidi and Rehema found important similarities in the way that guests are cared for when entering a home. As two of Canopy NWA’s earliest clients, recounting the welcome they received when arriving in Northwest Arkansas still leaves them awed. Watch their interview to hear more about their journey and the loving hospitality they received in their new home.

Lemine’s Tea Set (Berrad) - Mauritania

Equipped with a Fulbright scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in the US, Lemine left Mauritania with hopes of gaining valuable knowledge that he could bring home to better his country. But unexpected events tried to silence his voice, preventing his return, and forcing him to seek asylum in the US. Despite this, he still hopes and fights for a better future.

Ali’s Watch - Afghanistan

When the Taliban took over Kabul in 2021, Ali escorted his sister, Mursal, to the airport with their father. In the ensuing chaos of the evacuation, 16-year old Ali was separated from his father and pushed by the crowds with Mursal onto a US Air Force cargo plane. He was shocked and unprepared for this sudden life-changing event, and brought nothing with him but the clothes he was wearing, and the watch that had been given to him by his father. Yet, with the help of his sister and Canopy NWA’s network, he has been able to build a new life here in Northwest Arkansas and has hopes to attend college to pursue a business degree.

For personal privacy, Ali chose to forgo a video interview. As a 16-year old during the events that forced him to leave his home country, Ali was one of roughly 47 million children below the age of 18 who have been forcibly displaced. Additionally, according to the UNHCR, nearly 2 million children have been born as refugees since 2018. For many, it remains the only life they’ve ever known.

Ateqa’s Malaysia Tower Souvenir - Yemen

Just a few years ago, Atea found herself raising her children alone in an unfamiliar country. In 2017, the US banned immigrants from several Muslim-majority countries, including Atea’s home of Yemen. Malaysia was the only place she could find temporary refuge. Once the US ban was lifted, Atea began a three-year process to find a new home with her children, eventually being granted resettlement in the US. A tiny souvenir of her short-term home in Malaysia was one of the few items she brought, but it holds dear memories of the first place that allowed her to forge a better future.

Sergio’s Jersey and Tortilla Wrap - Guatemala

If you’ve flown into XNA airport before, then you’ve almost certainly descended the escalator to the lobby after exiting your flight. For most of us, this uneventful ride signals a return to our everyday lives. For Sergio and his family, however, it was an uncertain start to a new life. It was also a sight he’ll never forget. Hear his story as he recounts this unforgettable memory in an otherwise ordinary space.

The artwork from this collection is available for purchase.
15% of all proceeds will be donated to Canopy NWA to support their work in welcoming resettled refugees to Northwest Arkansas. Inquiries can be sent to tram@tramcolwinart.com.

What We Carry is funded by Artists 360, a program of Mid-America Arts Alliance, made possible through philanthropic support from the Walton Family Foundation, along with contributions from Narrative Network, Louis and Ashlie Page, and private donors.