“When I came to Leoben I achieved my longterm dream. I received an offer that meant something more important than my whole life. This is my painting that has been first displayed in a refugee camp. It represents a great turning point in my life. All my past and all my future are in it. The past was dark, without inspiration, without laughter, without plans. The future I saw as a beautiful sunset in Leoben: my safety, my dream to paint come true, the smile on my face.

I wanted to paint all my joy so the others could see it and feel as happy as I was. I think I achieved that because sometimes, out of the corner of my eye, I glanced at the passers-by in front of my painting and I saw smiles on their faces.”