Roya (in the blue dress) and daughter Azizeh (to her left) at the ‘Conference of the Birds’ art exhibition.

Two talented AMES Sunshine clients have had artworks on show in an exhibition at the Sandpit Gallery in St Kilda.

Clients Roya, and her daughter Azizeh, submitted works to the ‘Conference of the Birds’ themed exhibition, based on a Persian cultural story and exploring the artists’ experiences of their asylum seeker journey to Australia.

The pair, both talented artists, have proactively become involved with the ‘Melbourne Artists for Asylum Seekers’ art group in the community.

The exhibition launch was held on Sunday 9 November and was organised independently by the art group with support from Eckersley Art Supplies.

AMES Case Manager Tarie Leamtian-Carter said Roya and Azizah each had five paintings displayed. She said the other works were by current and former asylum seekers within the Persian community.

“The high calibre of their artwork and depth of self-expression is testament to my clients’ strength, resilience, self-determination, talents and achievements,” Tarie said.

She said Roya and Azizah fled Iran to escape religious and cultural persecution and arrived to Australia by boat in July 2013.

For more information on this story, contact Tarie on: 9311 2100