Oil on stretched canvas, ready to hang.

Signed on the back.

This is Ross (not her real name). She fled to Australia from Iraq after years of war ravaged her hometown. She sought asylum in Australia when the threat of ISIS made it impossible for her to return home.

The first time I met her, she bought me chocolates. I felt so embarrassed I hadn’t thought to get her anything. She told me that even if she had no money or home, she would give whatever she had to anyone less fortunate because she understands what hardship feels like. She is kind, compassionate and incredibly resilient.

The lines that meander over the artwork are segments of border lines separating Iraq and Western Australia. I repeated these rigid territorial border lines to symbolise their absurdity as well as the harsh impact they place on individuals like Ross.