The work was created in art classes

About 50 people contributed works of art at the Paintback! exhibition in Newport expressing images of things which they had experienced.

The idea for the exhibition, which is on show in Pilot Project in the city for a week, was developed by the Newport and District Refugee Support Group during art classes for asylum seekers and refugees.

Aled Singleton, the co-ordinator of the project said that it was a way of giving refugees a voice and means of self expression without the barrier of not being able to speak the same language.

"It came out of art classes which were put on by the support group," he said.

Aled Singleton co-ordinated the exhibition

"I wanted to put on an event which was produced by the asylum seekers themselves.

"It is they who tell their own stories, with this work they can share their lives and talents with society.

"The images allow them to communicate with English speaking people without the necessity of a translator.

"It is a brilliant way of letting people communicate their feelings without having to worry about speaking the same language.

"Everyone who had contributed is so happy to have been involved in such a project - you could see from people's reactions how pleased they were.

"It is a chance for the public to go behind the headlines and find out more about asylum seekers and refugees who live in Wales and what brought them here whilst enjoying the art," he added.

Shemal said that the art work had deep meaning

The exhibition was opened by the director of Amnesty International, Kate Allen.

"This is a wonderful way for asylum seekers and refugees in Wales to communicate their stories.

"We welcome this sort of initiative which helps to build communities," she added.

The opening of the event was attended by many of those whose work was featured in the exhibition as well as other members of the community.

Shemal, a 17-year-old refugee Iraqi Kurd, has been living in Newport for three months.

"This is a very good thing to do," he said.

"Some of the pictures have very big meanings," he added.