‘We painted our fear, hope and dreams’ − examining the art and artists of Guantánamo Bay

Sailing ships are a common feature of Moath al-Alwi's art. Moath al-Alwi, 2016, CC BY-SA

When Moath al-Alwi left Guantánamo Bay for resettlement in Oman, accompanying him on his journey was a cache of artwork he created during more than two decades of detention.

Al-Alwi was detainee number “028” – an indication that he was one of the first to arrive at the U.S. military prison off Cuba after it opened in January 2002. His departure from the detention center on Jan. 6, 2025, along with 10 fellow inmates, was part of an effort to reduce the prison’s population before the end of President Joe Biden’s term.