There is a superb exhibition of Welsh contemporary art at Theatr Brycheiniog. Arranged by Glasbury Arts , this exhibition gives Bison Milambo who is seeking asylum, the opportunity to share his art alongside some very well known and prestigious Welsh artists. The exhibition continues until the 17th November so do go and see it. There is the chance of buying some super pictures and money from Bison’s painting are going into a refugee fund.

Bison was born in 1984 in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo and studied art at College De Beaux Arts and Acadamie Des Beaux Arts in Kinshasa from 2004-2008. He arrived in the UK in November 2017 seeking refuge and was sent to Newport where he became part of the community at the Sanctuary. Earlier this year he was taken into detention, threatened with deportation  but was released to live in London where he misses Newport and his friends. Preparing for the exhibition has given him a feeling of peace and hope. If the Home Office grant him leave to remain he wishes to return to live in Wales.

Life as an asylum seeker is very hard and Bison is not able to benefit from selling any of his paintings. Glasbury Arts have arranged that if anyone wishes to give a donation  to buy his work then  it will go into a refugee  art fund .

Both Glasbury Arts and HBTSR have helped to pay for some of the materials needed  for Bison to paint and without the support of Mark  and Sarah at the Sanctuary in Newport Bison would not have been able to attend the exhibition or to transport his paintings.

Thanks to Mark Seymour for the photo of Bison painting and to Bison for agreeing to photographs of his work being shared here.

Paintings shown here are African Queen, Ocean Blue, Humanity and Universe.

Bison painting at the Sanctuary