Wrexham-born artist Liaqat Rasul has worked with Year 5 and 6 children from Hafod y Wern CP School to create a unique artwork celebrating creativity and multiculturalism.
The artwork, titled “Aath Sifar Doh Paanj” (which translates to “8025” in Urdu), symbolises Rasul’s personal timeline from 1980, when he attended Hafod y Wern School at the age of six, to the present day in 2025—represented by 8025.
The artwork took 80 hours to create and is made from wire hangers, ribbon, and ephemera, referencing Rasul’s upbringing at a market stall. Rasul’s signature mobile face is featured, with the word “Welcome” in Welsh, Urdu script, and English at its centre.
These “Welcomes” are surrounded by many more in other languages, handwritten by the pupils who participated in the project. The background mirror allows viewers to see themselves in the work, recognising that they, too, are welcome and part of the community.
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Inspired by Wrexham’s cultural heritage
The 50+ languages spoken in Wrexham today highlight the city’s rich cultural tapestry and underscore that Hafod y Wern CP School, and Wrexham more broadly, is a place of belonging for all. This served as a source of inspiration for the artwork.
The unveiling was attended by Iolanda Banu Viegas (Race Council Cymru and CLPW CIC), Krishnapriya Ramamoorthy (Paallam Arts), and Gareth Hall (Community Cohesion North East Wales), as well as Madam Mayor Beryl Blackmore and the Mayoral Consort, Mrs. Dorothy Lloyd. Children from Years 5 and 6 at Hafod y Wern CP School joined guests from the North Wales Multicultural Hub and the Mayor to unveil the brand new artwork that they had created with artist and former Hafod y Wern pupil, Liaqat Rasul.
The piece marked the culmination of a six-month project coordinated by Tŷ Pawb and supported by the Thomas Howells Education Fund for North Wales. Participating children took part in three arts workshops and visited Rasul’s solo exhibition, NAU, NAU, DOH CHAAR (9924 in Urdu).
The work will be displayed at Hafod y Wern, becoming part of the school’s welcome to visitors.
Finding joy in making art
Liaqat Rasul said: “It was a very moving experience to have worked on this project. ‘Aath Sifar Doh Paanj’ is a deeply meaningful artwork for me; it encapsulates a 45-year journey and bridges my personal history with Wrexham’s multicultural evolution. Congratulations to all of the children who took part for contributing so much wonderful art. Thank you very much to the school for making me feel welcome.”
Arts Engagement Coordinator at Tŷ Pawb, Heather Wilson, said: “My hope is that the pupils will continue to find joy in making art. Children can feel a lot of pressure to make things that are ‘right,’ but actually, art is about play and experimentation just as much as focus and perseverance.”
Teacher at Hafod y Wern, Lauren Evans said: “The pupils really enjoyed participating in this project—especially getting to visit the art gallery at Tŷ Pawb and using a machine to make their own badges. It’s been a great opportunity for them to have this deeper engagement with the exhibition and learn so much about how art can be made.”
Lead Member with responsibility for Tŷ Pawb, Cllr Hugh Jones, said: “This project highlights the significance and value of the creative partnerships that are possible in Wrexham as we look towards the UK City of Culture 2029 campaign. I am delighted to support the ongoing work of Tŷ Pawb in championing access to arts and culture for all, especially for local children.”
