 My name is Alaa Khayyar, I'm a Syrian architect and when I graduated from architecture, the situation was so bad. I searched for a work in Erbil when I was in Syria, so I came here, I started to work immediately. I brought my painting from Syria to be with Erbil. I wanted to express my feelings and the war effects with colours, with movements, with my passion. You can see in each painting that there is a surrounding area with black side, but always there is in the middle a bright side of the painting. Like I wanted to show people the hope through darkness, you can always see the contrast in the paintings. Also I chose the symbols that reflect the strength like women. She reflects the strength in life and also the peacock, the horses, they always go towards life. So I want to thank very much for everyone who helped me in making this exhibition.