Who will be the next world leader to board The Boat? On 20 June, marking World Refugee Day, renowned Syrian artist Abdalla Al Omari will create a new addition to his powerful artwork The Boat live at Fenix in Rotterdam. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to watch the artist at work throughout the day as he adds a new political figure to the nearly five-metre-long painting. The identity of the leader remains a secret until the brush touches the canvas.
World leaders reimagined as refugees Originally created in 2017, The Boat is one of Al Omari’s most striking works. The painting depicts influential political leaders including Donald Trump, Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron and Vladimir Putin crowded together in a fragile refugee boat. By placing some of the world's most powerful figures in a position of uncertainty and vulnerability, Al Omari challenges viewers to reconsider ideas of power, privilege and responsibility. The artwork raises timely questions about displacement, migration and the global decisions that shape millions of lives. The painting itself is designed to evolve over time. As political leaders come and go, new faces can be added, reflecting the changing world and the lasting impact of political choices. Meet the Artist Behind The Vulnerability Series Born in Syria in 1986, Al Omari began his artistic career in Damascus before relocating to Belgium. His internationally acclaimed Vulnerability Series reimagines politicians and public figures as refugees and displaced people, turning traditional portrayals of authority upside down. Through painting, video and performance, his work explores themes of migration, identity, power and humanity, topics that resonate strongly with Fenix’s mission as a museum dedicated to migration stories. Part of Fenix in focus: world refugee day The live painting session forms part of Fenix in Focus: World Refugee Day, a week-long programme taking place from 16 to 20 June. The programme brings together art, film, food and conversation to explore experiences of displacement, belonging and starting over. Visitors can attend migration-themed film screenings, shared dinners, cultural exchanges and storytelling events. The museum will also once again serve as Rotterdam’s starting and finishing point for the annual Night of the Refugee Walk, organised to raise funds for emergency humanitarian aid worldwide. A living artwork about migration and humanity The live addition to The Boat offers a rare chance to witness an artwork evolving in real time. More than a painting, it is an ongoing reflection on leadership, empathy and the human stories behind migration. For anyone interested in contemporary art, global affairs or the stories that shape our world, this special event at Fenix promises a thought-provoking experience that feels especially relevant today.
