Wal
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 Wal Gatluak, one of the young artists from Kakuma.
About Wal
Hello, my name is Wal . I am South Sudanese, 14 years old, and I have been living in Kakuma for three years. I had no art experience before joining the Creative Souls Community art sessions.
I am glad that I can now see the progress I have made and the confidence I am gaining. Joining the art sessions with the UK young artists gives me a strong feeling of excitement and motivation. It is a great opportunity to interact, share ideas and learn from each other.
Best wishes,
Wal
This drawing stands as a celebration of artistic talent, shared learning and the friendships formed through the universal language of art.