Artwork copyright Saiyare Refaei. Photo courtesy of the artist, 2024.

Migration is Natural, 2013

Saiyare Refaei
American

Location: Star Lake Elementary, Kent

About the Artwork

Migration is Natural by Saiyare Refaei unites the images of a small family walking together with the Monarch butterfly, a symbol of migration. Refaei uses art as a means of community building, education, and healing, with themes around immigrant rights and social justice. They want to use their art "to share what’s happening in various communities, to uplift stories that aren’t often heard.”

This artwork is part of a curated collection by Asia Tail in April 2024 for three Federal Way Public Schools in South King County. Asia chose graphic works that are as bold and diverse as the students, by artists with ties to South Puget Sound. Images of language, people, and the natural world create a poem for this place where students live and learn. She notes, "School is a place where we can connect with new families. And families are always strongest when working together."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Federal Way Public Schools.

About the Artist

Saiyare Refaei (they/she) is a Chinese Iranian artist based on the traditional lands of the Puyallup and Coast Salish peoples (Tacoma, Western Washington). Their art practice includes community murals, printmaking, drawings, and poetry. Refaei uses art as a means for community building, education, and healing. They are also a member of Justseeds Artist Cooperative, a trans-national and de-centralized network of artists committed to social, environmental, and political engagement.