NSI's ”How Can We Prevent Future Wars?” exhibition on display at TEAM LEWIS Foundation, Battersea London

Welcome everyone! We're delighted to have you join us for a journey through "How Can We Prevent Future Wars?", an exhibition that explores the profound and hopeful question of how humanity can move towards a future of lasting peace.

This exhibition is not just a collection of artworks; it's a robust dialogue, a testament to the human spirit's capacity for empathy, creativity, and resilience. Each piece you'll encounter today is a direct response to fundamental questions about conflict, understanding, and the path to a harmonious future. As we move through the galleries, I'll highlight how the artists' unique perspectives address these critical themes.

This exhibition is structured around five core themes, each represented by a guiding question woven into the artworks.

 

Theme 1: Bridging Cultures and Fostering Understanding

Our first theme explores the power of art as a universal language that transcends cultural divides and fosters empathy. Many conflicts arise from misunderstandings and a lack of connection between different groups. Here, we examine how artistic expression can serve as a bridge builder.

This theme directly addresses: What inspired your artwork, and how do you think it helps friends from different cultures understand each other better?" 

You'll see how artists have drawn inspiration from their own cultural heritage while simultaneously seeking to communicate shared human experiences, allowing viewers to see commonalities rather than differences. Look for works that use symbols, narratives, or universal emotions to connect with a global audience.

 

Rebuilding the Bridge of Peace
from Historical Fragments
by Yueyan M
16-18, China

"This painting shows six hands reaching toward a cracked Earth, like pieces of a global
puzzle we’re all fixing together. Under the broken ground, soil sprouts olive branches –
proving peace can grow from old wounds. Each wrist wears a white band with solutions
to war:

1. Learning from battlefields – UNESCO turns war ruins into classrooms.
2. Saving our planet – Climate action stops fights over water and land.
3. Vaccines over violence – Shared needles beat border guns.
4. Girls leading peace – When women help, peace lasts 35% longer. (science says so!)
5. Moon rules – The Artemis Accords stop space wars before they start.
6. Different faiths, same Earth – Fixing nature together instead of fighting.

The hands are all different shades – my way of saying 'this isn’t about countries, it’s about
humans'. Beneath the cracks, olive saplings push through the soil – not perfect branches,
but baby plants showing peace needs constant care."

MUNUS
by Yasemin O
16-18, Turkey

"‘Munus’ (which means ‘gift’) refers to the obligations we have when we
communicate, emphasising the importance of being mindful and responsible in our
interactions. Effective communication can be a significant solution to preventing
future wars, as it plays a critical role in building and maintaining trust between
countries. Strengthening diplomatic relations reduces the potential for conflict and
increases the chances of finding peaceful solutions.

In my artwork, instead of using guns and knives, I used the olive branch, which
symbolises peace and reconciliation, and roses, which emphasise the beauty and
transience of nature to illustrate the damage caused by wars to our environment."

Reaching Out a Hand
by Ashalina K 
11-14, England

Stop All Wars
by Tei K, Ellin K, Ian Y, Jessica Nahyun C,
Chloe Chaeyoung L, Suhyun Seo
9-11, England

Ellin & Tei (background): "We drew a village that has no war and shows peace and happiness, as this is the sort of world we want our future to be."

Ian & Jessica (wall): "I drew an open wall, symbolising the great outcome of no war and a fresh start outside of the barriers. On the wall, graffiti shows a classroom teaching why we can prevent war and a school play showing how we can get along. The world flags show how it’s serious and people on war airplanes can see it clearly and know that we really want war to stop, encouraging everyone to get along peacefully."

Chloe & Suhyun (all other paper cuts): "We drew a bin full of weapons that represented everyone stopping violence and war. Showing how people are starting to think that war and weapons are useless. The soldier shows how we no longer need soldiers after the war. But even if the war has ended, soldiers might have lost loved ones or have trauma. The protesting children all around the world holding hands represent no more loud noise and violence, and they can play happily together."

Friendship
by Tetyana B
9-11, Ukraine

"My name is Tanya. I am 10 years old and live in Ukraine. There is a war in our country, and we often hear air raid sirens. It is very scary here, so I drew everyone in our country as friends.

I believe this will unite people and help us stay strong to achieve peace. I hope my drawing inspires kindness and understanding."

Installation shot

Theme 2: Imagining Future Peace: Vision and Prevention

Next, we shift our focus from the present to the future. How can we actively envision a world without war? This section encourages us to think proactively about prevention, using imagination not as an escape, but as a tool for constructive foresight.

This directly relates to: "How does your imagination help you think about what future wars might look like and how we can have peace instead?" 

Artists in this section use their creative freedom to explore hypothetical scenarios, not to sensationalise violence, but to illustrate the potential consequences of conflict and, more importantly, to conceptualise pathways to peaceful coexistence. You'll see works that challenge us to dream bigger about what a peaceful future could look like.

Silver Lining
by Alexis Zhang
11-14, United States

"Amidst our war-torn world, there remains a possibility for peace to prevail. The
intertwined hands forming doves symbolise that through collaboration, we can
regain clarity and see better through the deceptions that blinded us. By utilising the
same hands that obstructed our ways, we can ultimately progress toward unity. The
radiating light in the background represents that despite the darkness in the world,
our endeavour for peace is not merely a distant dream but a tangible future worth
striving toward."

Musical Instruments Instead of Weapons
by Jin G
11-14, Canada

"We are young people with responsibilities who have to put on military uniforms
and go to the battlefield for the sake of world peace.
We are young people who love life, and we would rather play beautiful music for
everyone with our favourite instruments."

The Making of Peace Advocators
by Daisy X
16-18, Singapore

"I always had an interest in drawing and learning history; however, I realised that
the idealised pictures I drew of peace and harmony do not reflect how the world
really is. Warfare is a big topic in history, and while learning, I often felt remorse for
those who actually lived in the era of those wars; I was privileged to be born in a
peaceful environment and cannot imagine how unbearable and frightful life must
be for those with so much less. Their optimism and courage against war also strike
me, inspiring me to promote peace in the future. The picture of soldiers from WWI
and people protesting against war depicts the knowledge young students gain
through education, while broken mannequins, dolls, and obliterated houses
symbolise the destructive impacts of war on individuals. On the other hand, those
impacts are also being fixed by the student. Broken houses were reassembled, and
the doll sewn back together; in the middle, a drawing of peace is presented. The
reality is embraced through education, and with a heart yearning for peace, we can
become the solution and eventually stop war with anti-war advocacy."

Humanity, Not Havoc
by Vivian T, Christina H, Dilys C
14-16, China

"The fleeting stability secured through violence brings neither justice nor true peace.
Only by recognising this reality—choosing not to celebrate victories achieved
through brutality and instead confronting conflicts with reason and humanity—can
we hope to prevent future wars.

We choose to deliver a warning message via surrealism: 

The aeroplane’s wings melting into those of a dove, symbolising the breaking down of peace to war. Ribbons float through the air, celebrating victory. But the jubilance contrasts with the melancholic purple of the city in the background, representing a broken city reduced to ruins by war.

The aim is to question the legitimacy of celebrating victories gained through conflict,
highlighting the fragility of peace by war and the destruction war leaves in its wake."

Military Drones
by ZiWen X
16-18, China

"We live in a world where war and conflict are bound to happen from time to time, and I want my artwork to show how disconnected people have become from the real impact of modern wars. In my artwork, a drone is controlled by a video game controller and hovers over a once-prosperous homeland, targeting children and families who will bear the true cost of war. New technologies such as military drones, despite looking like remotely controlled aeroplanes, are in fact dangerous weapons and can destroy people’s lives and homes. My solution to prevent future wars and conflicts is to create interactive experiences that immerse people in the realities of war, just like my artwork. I want to educate people by letting them experience these stories first-hand through art, simulations, and interactive experiences, and change the way people view modern war. People will be able to truly understand the devastating damage drones can cause to people's lives through these immersive experiences, way better than simply reading about it or watching the news. I believe that educating people, especially the younger generation, can start valuable conversations, change people's perspectives, and inspire people to work together for peace in the near future."

Installation Shot

Theme 3: Protecting Innocence and Confronting Destruction

This poignant theme confronts the devastating impact of war, particularly on the most vulnerable among us: children and young people. It serves as a powerful reminder of what we strive to protect and the profound cost of conflict. Here, we encounter a series of pieces that, whether subtly or directly, allude to the impact of conflict on youth, perhaps contrasting images of childhood joy with the stark realities of war zones.

This directly links to: "What important messages do you hope kids and young people take away from your art about innocence and destruction?"

The artists in this area often aim to evoke a sense of empathy and responsibility. They might use symbolism to represent the loss of innocence or resilience in the face of adversity, urging viewers to consider the long-term human cost of conflict and the importance of safeguarding future generations.

Beyond a Piece of Paper
by Sophia Bae
16-18, South Korea

"A peace agreement, as a measure for armistice or the end of war, is not merely a
treaty but a promise to protect future generations. Therefore, I created an artwork to
challenge the perception that a peace agreement is just a piece of paper."

Uplifting Towards Peace
by Lulu W
14-16, United States

"This piece depicts a young girl, a victim of war, being lifted by a poppy flower
amidst the ruins of conflict. Beneath her, helping hands extend downward,
symbolising support and compassion. The poppy's uplifting gesture and the hands
reaching out emphasise the importance of unity and mutual assistance in
preventing future wars. To rebuild from the devastation of current conflicts, we
must come together to uplift and aid one another, fostering peace and resilience."

Illumination
by Jenna Zhou
14-16, United States

"To prevent future wars, we must start with the youth and educate future
generations. The skeletons and dark scenery symbolise the devastating
consequences and inevitable destruction brought by war. The child depicts
innocence and hope for the future, contrasting with the loss and grief that stem from
war. Additionally, the child portrays the opportunity for growth and change so that
history does not repeat itself. The shadows of the past will always be present today, but
we need to let the light illuminate our future. Through education and teaching
future generations, we can enlighten and illuminate our future so that the darkness
of war does not persist. We hold the power to shape a world where peace prevails
and the echoes of war become distant memories.

The future is in our hands, and it begins with children's minds."

Flicker of Hope
by Janet L
14-16, United States

"The soldier closes his eyes, taking a moment away from the horrors of war
(displayed by the ruins around him). The bright red lollipop contrasts with the rest
of the painting and provides a moment of joy to the boy, who is, no doubt, suffering.
This small act of kindness may seem useless, but as these pebbles of kindness
accumulate, they begin to replace the gaps caused by hatred, preventing future wars
and conflict."

In Retrospect
by Nora W
14-16, United States

"This piece emphasises the importance of reflecting and educating ourselves about
past wars to prevent us from making the same mistakes in the future. It was
inspired by Pablo Picasso’s renowned ‘Guernica’ that depicts anti-war sentiments
during the Spanish Civil War, but instead is reinterpreted to depict modern-day
wars. Studying past wars through literature, the arts, and history has allowed us to gain new perspectives to prevent wars from happening, and by studying the wars of
today, we can continue to avoid such conflicts."

This is What I See
by Jennifer Z
16-18, United States

"‘This is What I see’ explores the way children perceive the world. The charcoal
background depicts an aftermath of war -- shadows of destruction, smoke in the sky, and overall, a sense of despair. In contrast to the monochromatic background, a coloured piece of paper with a child's drawing at the centre of the composition. The
taped piece of paper depicts an innocent but powerful vision of peace, one that
attempts to overwrite the reality of destruction. The paper, despite being fragile,
stands as a hopeful defiance against conflicts while advocating for diplomacy and
peace. Overall, my work challenges the viewer to consider the impact of war on
future generations and stresses the importance of protecting the innocent."

Installation shot

Theme 4: Harmony with Nature as a Metaphor for Peace

Our fourth theme explores the profound connection between humanity and the natural world, drawing parallels between ecological balance and societal peace. When we are in harmony with nature, we often find a greater sense of balance within ourselves and with others.

 This theme is directly addressed by: "How has making art about being in harmony with nature changed the way you feel about conflicts?" 

Artists here often find that by contemplating the interconnectedness and restorative power of nature, their perspectives on human conflict shift. Look for artworks that use natural elements, cycles, and principles to offer metaphors for resolving disputes and achieving a state of equilibrium in human relations.

Piece by Peace
by Kimberley H
11-14, Kyrgyzstan

"'Piece by Peace' is a symbolic artwork illustrating unity and collaboration. It portrays people of different backgrounds, moving puzzle pieces to form a complete Earth, representing the collective effort needed to create a harmonious world, even though everyone is different. Wars often arise from division, misunderstandings and conflicts over resources or power. Yet, this art piece presents a different vision. One where people act like puzzle pieces, coming together to complete something greater than themselves.
The sea turtle embodies wisdom and endurance, with each animal having a different meaning. The ants symbolise teamwork and perseverance, the butterflies' transformation, and the bees highlight the importance of cooperation and perseverance. Each element reflects the delicate balance of nature and humanity, showing that peace is built piece by piece through understanding and shared efforts. The artwork conveys a message of hope, urging people to come together like puzzle pieces to form a happier, war-free and connected world. Through this, I hope that 'Piece by Piece' reminds us that cooperation is possible when we work hand in hand, rather than creating conflict for the future."

In Sync
by Nguyet Minh (Abby) Pham
11-14, Australia

"Hi, 

I'm Abby, a 12-year-old artist. In my painting 'In Sync', I wanted to capture the
simple yet powerful idea of coexistence. The two of them, side by side, reflect the
possibility of living in harmony with nature. Adding depth to this connection, the
young girl in the portrait is a Native American, embodying the deep cultural and
spiritual ties indigenous peoples have long held with the land and its creatures. The
bison, as a majestic creature of the wild, reminds us of the fragile balance we must
maintain with the animals around us. Many species today are struggling with
habitat loss, conflict with humans, and environmental pressures. Through this
painting, I hope to spark a conversation about how we can treat wildlife with
respect and care, ensuring that we live in a way that doesn’t push them out of their
natural homes.

'In Sync' is a call to reflect on our role in the world, and to find ways to live in
harmony with the creatures that share it with us. It’s a reminder that, as we move
forward, we must do so together — humans and animals — in a shared world that
needs our understanding and care."

Installation Shot

Theme 5: Legacy, Resilience, and Standing Up for What's Right

Finally, we consider the lasting impact of our actions and the courage it takes to advocate for peace. This theme acknowledges the challenges inherent in working towards a better future but emphasises the power of individual and collective action, memory, and the desire to leave a positive legacy. This section features a collection of personal narratives, archival materials, or interactive installations that invite visitors to reflect on their own roles in promoting peace.

This theme is deeply embedded in the question: "What challenges did you face while creating your piece, especially when thinking about memories, standing up for what's right, and leaving a legacy?" 

Artists here often confront difficult memories of past conflicts or personal experiences. Their work may reflect the struggle to translate complex emotions into tangible form, the courage required to express dissenting views, or the profound desire to contribute to a world where future generations can thrive. You'll see how their artistic process itself can be an act of resilience and a commitment to a lasting positive impact.

How Nurturing Environments Forge a Peaceful Future
by Kim A
16-18, South Korea

"When I was faced with this topic, I was thinking about how I would make this
simple and powerful? After a lot of thinking, I decided to make a piece of a
baby's 'Doljanchi', which is a Korean tradition where a baby is set with a table of
various symbolic objects—each representing different aspects of life, such as wealth,
intelligence, or career paths. For instance, if the baby picks a pen, it might be
interpreted as a sign of future academic success. I used this element and had the
baby choose the options of objects that symbolise war (guns, grenades, knives, etc),
or an olive branch that symbolises peace. I wanted to give a message that in order to
prevent war, people should educate their kids and encourage them to promote a
peaceful society."

Negative Thought Destruction Device
by Francesca A
9-11, England

"In our world, we are all equal no matter our colour or the language we speak.
If we could all be kinder, we could help stop wars and starving in the world."

Stronger Than Rifles
by Jimin Suh
16-18, South Korea

"The flags of the March 1st Movement, which advocated non-violence against
Japanese imperialism was stronger than rifles, and Korea was able to achieve
liberation after much sacrifice. I believe that the pacifism of the March 1st
Movement, which opposed violence, is a movement that people in today's war-torn world should emulate."

Beyond the Uniform
by Sean Jung
16-18, South Korea

"Soldiers wear the same uniforms and are required to act in unison, often sacrificing

themselves under the orders of the state. If we can show that soldiers are also

cherished family members and citizens, it might make it harder for nations to

declare war so easily. In the artwork, I depicted a soldier with a family photo

attached to his chest, symbolising that he is also a citizen whom the state should

protect."

Volume of Knowledge
by Suyoung L
16-18, United States

"This artwork, made with acrylic paint, aims to convey the profound influence of
knowledge. The power of wisdom outweighs the impact of the physical violence
often seen in war grounds. With the books symbolising the importance of
knowledge, this artwork suggests the understanding of one another's culture rather
than the cruel destruction of not only the population, but the Earth itself to advance
into a peaceful future."

Installation shot

Find out more information about Never Such Innocence, the past competition pictured above, and their current competition. 

Also, find more information about the TEAM LEWIS Foundation and follow my blog, Instagram, LinkedIn, and newsletter to stay up to date.