Afghan refugee Narges Hazareh is following her dream of establishing a career in art.

Narges was born and raised in Afghanistan but found her love for art at an early age when she was a refugee in Iran.

Now living in Melbourne’s south-east, Narges is exploring her passion for the discipline of resin art.

Resin art is created when a runny chemical called epoxy resin is combined with various colour pigments and additives to produce a blend of unique patterns and textures.

“I make my art by mixing liquid resin with water to create physical objects. It’s a kind of sculpting exercise,” Narges said.

“I started very small watching an artist do basic techniques. I learned the basics and then I studied more at home.

“I started selling pieces and hired people to help me, but I was not allowed to set up a business by the Iranian authorities because I was a refugee. But in the future, I would like to start a business selling my artwork here in Australia,” she said.

As a child, Narges fled conflict in Afghanistan with her family.

“I left Afghanistan very young, so I don’t remember much about my homeland. My parents fled persecution as members of the Hazara minority,” she said.

“We lived in Iran for 20 years and life was difficult. We were not allowed to open a business, have a sim card or a bank account.

“I completed school until Year 9 and I wanted to go on to study IT.  But because I was a refugee, I was not allowed to attend university.

“I was subjected to racism from Iranians and told I should work as a cook or a tailor – low level jobs associated with Afghans. It broke my spirit, so I stopped my studies. It was at that point that I decided that I had to leave Iran.

“I found work in pedicure and hair salons to earn money to live. It was then that I began to learn about resin art, and it became a passion.

“Life in Australia is good and I’m looking forward to the future. I’m improving my English, and I want to start a business based on my art.

“But I do miss my sisters, my brother and my partner who are still in Iran. We are hoping to bring them to Australia,” Narges said.

Narges, is being supported and guided by Farzana, her cade manager from migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia.

Farzana has connected Narges with arts group in Hampton Park which had led to opportunities and her flourishing as an artist.

“In Iran she was inspired by the beautiful resin designs created by a skilled artisan, which sparked her passion for creativity. Despite the chaos around her, Narges found comfort and strength in resin art, using it to express her feelings,” Farzana said.

“After leaving Afghanistan because of the growing conflicts, Narges Hazareh found herself in Iran, where she faced new challenges. Yet, her spirit remained strong. In Iran, she began to display her artwork and participated in many exhibitions that showed her talent and stories of resilience and hope. Each piece of art reflected her experiences, capturing the beauty of her homeland.

“Narges moved to Australia in search of safety and new opportunities. Upon her arrival, she felt excited and eager to grow her art. In her first meeting with me, she shared her artistic skills and asked for help in connecting with organisations that could support her goals in Australia,” she said.

The welcoming art community at Hampton Park embraced Narges quickly, helping her to establish her presence. They appreciated her art and invited her to take part in the Art Culture Diversity Day, where she is scheduled to run a workshop for ten people in February, 2025.

“Narges’s passion and talent began to shine, leading to successful exhibitions that merged her creativity with new inspirations,” Farzana said.

“Narges’ journey from being an artist in Iran to a voice for Afghan refugees in Australia shows the resilience of the human spirit and the power of art to bring us together. By sharing her art and her story and inspiring others, she opens doors for future generations of artists, reminding us that every canvas can tell a meaningful story.

“Her story shows how creativity can change lives. Her journey from the busy streets of Afghanistan and Iran to Australia’s art scene is not just about surviving; it’s also about thriving through her artwork,” Farzana said.