'Carving Time' exhibition showcases talent of Syrian refugee artist

Tarek Mohamed Hamden in his studio in Za'atari Camp
© Lilly Carlisle

By Laura Padoan  |  28 November 2019

A pop-up exhibition of miniature carvings by an artist who lives in a refugee camp in Jordan has opened in London’s jewellery quarter.

Tarek Mohamed Hamden has created intricate carvings from everyday objects in Za’atari Camp, his home for the last seven years. The pieces take up to six weeks to complete and each one reflects an aspect of camp life. Birds, chains and figures in despair are all represented.

“I dreamed of sculpture and drawing during my childhood,” said Hamden, a former construction worker from Daraa in Syria. “This craft is a way to express my inner world and to pass the time. I consider myself an amateur and try my best to be an artist the world notices.”

  • Tarek Mohamed Hamden creates intricate carvings from Za'atari Camp where he has lived since 2012
    Tarek Mohamed Hamden creates intricate carvings from Za'atari Camp where he has lived since 2012 © Lilly Carlisle
  • Hamden's talent was spotted by social artist and designer Professor Helen Storey MBE in her role as Za'atari camp's Artist in Residence
    Hamden's talent was spotted by social artist and designer Professor Helen Storey MBE in her role as Za'atari camp's Artist in Residence © Yousef Alhariri

Hamden’s talent was spotted by social artist and designer Professor Helen Storey MBE in her role as Za’atari camp’s Artist in Residence, a role supported by the Centre for Sustainable Fashion at the London College of Fashion.

“Tarek’s work is important because it is symbolic of what it means to be him," said Professor Storey. "He has developed a language through his work that speaks to the world beyond the camp."

  • Carving Time is an exhibition of work by refugee artist Tarek Mohamed Hamden
    Carving Time is an exhibition of work by refugee artist Tarek Mohamed Hamden  © James Bryant
  • Tarek Mohamed Hamden carves intricate pieces of art from everyday objects
    Tarek Mohamed Hamden carves intricate pieces of art from everyday objects © James Bryant
  • Carving Time is is an exhibition of carvings and jewellery by artist Tarek Mohamed Hamden who lives in Za'atari Camp
    Carving Time is is an exhibition of carvings and jewellery by artist Tarek Mohamed Hamden who lives in Za'atari Camp © James Bryant
  • Carving Time is open until December 20th 2019 in London's Hatton Garden
    Carving Time is open until December 20th 2019 in London's Hatton Garden © James Bryant
  • A pencil carved by artist Tarek Mohamed Hamden who lives in Za'atari Camp. Tarek was forced to flee from Syria in 2012.
    A pencil carved by artist Tarek Mohamed Hamden who lives in Za'atari Camp. Tarek was forced to flee from Syria in 2012. © James Bryant

Together with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, Storey has developed arts and cultural livelihood projects that provide skills and accredited training to refugees, helping them find work or set up businesses. "Many talented refugees are waiting for a chance to show their work to the world," said UNHCR's camp manager in Za'atari, Irene Omondi.

As one of the project's participants, Hamden collaborated with Storey for a year to produce ‘Carving Time', the exhibition at the House of Hatton. The collection includes fine chain earrings carved from pencil lead and a broom handle depicting stages of Hamden’s life, from his birth to his experience as a refugee in Za’atari. All of the pieces are for sale in Hatton Garden until December 20th.

He has also collaborated with London-based jeweller Bleue Burnham on a ring made from recycled gold and silver, featuring two interlinking hands with cuff details. The proceeds from sales will directly benefit Hamden and his family, and enable him to train other refugees in sculpture and jewellery making.

  • This broomstick, carved by Tarek Mohamed Hamden, tells the story of his life. Through a partnership with Professor Helen Storey his work is being exhibited and sold in London.
    This broomstick, carved by Tarek Mohamed Hamden, tells the story of his life. Through a partnership with Professor Helen Storey his work is being exhibited and sold in London. © James Bryant
  • This broomstick, carved by Tarek Mohamed Hamden, tells the story of his life. The first part shows his life in Syria where he was a construction worker
    This broomstick, carved by Tarek Mohamed Hamden, tells the story of his life. The first part shows his life in Syria where he was a construction worker © James Bryant
  • This broomstick, carved by Tarek Mohamed Hamden, tells the story of his life. Here he depicts the conflict in Syria
    This broomstick, carved by Tarek Mohamed Hamden, tells the story of his life. Here he depicts the conflict in Syria © James Bryant
  • This broomstick, carved by Tarek Mohamed Hamden, tells the story of his life. In 2012 Tarek and his family fled Syria and arrived in Za'atari Camp.
    This broomstick, carved by Tarek Mohamed Hamden, tells the story of his life. In 2012 Tarek and his family fled Syria and arrived in Za'atari Camp.  © James Bryant
  • This broomstick, carved by Tarek Mohamed Hamden, tells the story of his life. The final part of the broom tells the story of his partnership with Professor Helen Storey. But the very end has yet to be carved. Tarek's life story has yet to be told.
    This broomstick, carved by Tarek Mohamed Hamden, tells the story of his life. The final part of the broom tells the story of his partnership with Professor Helen Storey. But the very end has yet to be carved. Tarek's life story has yet to be told.  © James Bryant