Meet Yan: An artist from Kara Tepe campUs

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“The moment I arrived in Lesvos, I started having so many dreams and plans for the future, I didn’t think the wait was going to be that long, but I’m up for it.”

Yan reached the shores of the Greek islands three years ago, in 2019. A 'safe shore' as he and many humans on the move call it. "This by itself was an achievement” said Yan. “The moment I did, I started having so many dreams and plans for the future, I didn’t think the wait was going to be that long, but I’m up for it.”

15-year-old Yan, from the Democratic Republic of Congo, travelled together with his mother, brother and sister. They spent their first two months in Moria camp before being relocated to Kara Tepe. 

 

Passionate about painting and drawing, Yan’s creativity is a source of inspiration to the whole community. To every human who dreams beyond the boundaries of this world. Especially in these challenging times.

 

Yan has always been a fan of the Japanese anime. Together with his mother, they used to watch and enjoy the magic of these animated visuals and the thousands of stories they tell. It’s those little childhood memories that last forever and that can make you what you are today... “My mother was my first source of inspiration," reiterated Yan.

As the months have passed, Yan has developed a greater need to express his creative thoughts and imagination. Yan plans, he doesn’t only dream. He even stepped up to paint one of the isoboxes in Kara Tepe campus and proposed an outstanding concept for the Digital Learning Lab which he will be painting in the coming months. Almost everyone in Kara Tepe is waiting enthusiastically to see more shapes and colours across the campUs.

Just like every other human on the move, all he needed was the right environment to do so. Kara Tepe campUs seemed to be the place that helped him, as well as other residing talents, to remain hopeful while on the wait for the HOME they came looking for.

 

In the future Yan wants to become an artist. Though we believe he already is, he would love to learn and acquire the expertise it takes to work for a renowned studio. Creating concepts, animations and designs for movies, games, music videos, children books and much more. Wherever he can add some beauty and value into the world he lives in because art has no boundaries. Yan would also love to become a musician. He adores rap, hip hop, trance and electronic music. “Art is real love. Whenever you feel tired or bored, art is what you need to relax and pursue your life”. This is Yan’s motto. This is what makes him look at the bright side of life.

"Everyday we get the chance to be or become a good person."

“Stay positive, even if your situation is unbearable. Try to help yourself and support people around you in the best way possible. Always give love and stay full of love. Everyday we get the chance to be or become a good person. Let’s take advantage of this chance." This was Yan’s message to every human who may read these words.

Head to the following LINK to view a selection of Yan's artworks.

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