AN artistic asylum seeker and talented Iranian rug maker has created a thought-provoking art series illustrating his journey to the UK.

Mehdi Jalalaghdamian is currently living in temporary accommodation in Bournemouth but had previously been based in Colchester after fleering Iran.

Before arriving in the UK, he found refuge in Stockholm, Sweden, where he made three rugs which now act as the centre pieces of his Art In Exile exhibition.

The creations will now be displayed at Firstsite, in Lewis Gardens, from September 3 for an entire year as part of the gallery’s Art Fund Museum of the Year Award scheme.

Accompanying the three pieces, entitled Tragedy of Refugees, The Queen of Sweden, and Christ, will be several films, detailed hand-drawn designs, and various tools.

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Each rug illustrates a part of Mehdi’s journey to the UK, while the pain-staking method of making each piece is a metaphor for his desire to establish a new life.

Together the works represent the challenges and influences underpinning the global migration crisis, such as cultural conflict, geopolitics and treacherous journeys.

Mehdi, who has to have an exceptional level of artistry in order to create rugs, learned his craft in his home city of Tabriz from his uncle and father.

He said: “In today's world, art is replaced by technology and mechanization and honesty and integrity are replaced by lies and sarcasm.

“Former comforts have been replaced by modern luxury.

“Let's support the dying arts and crafts [and hope] for a world with natural, happy and relaxing colours for people's souls.”

Throughout the year it is on display, the exhibition will constantly develop, and visitors will be invited to create paper lantern houses to help illuminate the pieces.

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Sally Shaw MBE, Firstsite director, said: “We hope through this exhibition Mehdi can establish his career in the UK, preserving and developing this craft which is so rare.

“It will be a unique way to understand and connect with the real-life experiences of people living in Colchester and explore how we can support each other.

“If Mehdi’s application to settle in the UK is successful, or if he is granted right to work in the interim, we will work with him to commission a new rug, which he will create whilst in residence here at Firstsite.”