Chudier
Drawn Together – June 2026
In June 2026, The Kakuma Art Project brought together art students from St Mary’s Calne in the UK and students from several schools in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, for a unique international workshop called Drawn Together.
The workshop was led in the UK by portrait artist Alastair Barford and in Kakuma by resident refugee artist Kuachi Gai. Each student received a photograph and a personal letter from a student in the other country, using these as inspiration to create a portrait. The project encouraged not only artistic development but also connection, empathy and friendship across continents.
To demonstrate the portrait techniques he wanted his students to use, Alastair created a drawing of Chudier, one of the young artists from Kakuma.
About Chudier
Hello, my name is Chudier Chuol. I am 12 years old and I am from South Sudan. I live in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya.
I am an artist, and I started practicing art in 2023. Since then, art has become an important part of my life. I enjoy drawing because it helps me learn new things, express my ideas, and spend my time in a positive way.
I am very happy and grateful to be part of this program. It is a great opportunity for me to improve my skills and learn from other artists. I am also excited to meet and interact with art students in London. I look forward to sharing ideas, drawing together, and learning from one another. I believe this experience will help me become a better artist and make new friends through art.
Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity.
This drawing stands as a celebration of artistic talent, shared learning and the friendships formed through the universal language of art.