A hyperrealism artist has been awarded a grant to help develop a part-memoir book exploring growing up in care – “the good, the bad, and everything in between”.

Dullal Miah – an artist who aims to amplify “unheard voices” through pencil portraiture, workshops and storytelling – is one of six artists to have received a development grant from ArtHouse Jersey.

The quarterly funding initiative offers financial assistance to support the creation of new work or for the development of an artist’s creative process.

Dullal said he will use the grant to work with a professional editor for his book “Through the Cracks: Life in the Care System” about growing up in the care system. He said he hoped the book would serve as both a testimony and as a guide for others navigating similar paths.

Express caught up with him to learn more about his book and the creative process behind it…

What can you share about the book that you’re developing with the grant?

“My project, ‘Through the Cracks: Life in the Care System’, is a book that looks at what it really means to grow up in care, the good, the bad, and everything in between. It’s part memoir, part storytelling, weaving together lived experiences and reflections from people who’ve been through the system.

“With the support of ArtHouse Jersey, I’ve been able to dedicate time to sourcing editors, shaping the manuscript, doing deeper research, and finding the best way to tell these stories honestly and with care.”

What inspired this idea or direction in your creative practice?

Dullal said that the idea behind his book came from a “deeply personal place”.

“Growing up in the system, I rarely saw stories or artworks that reflected the real experiences of life in care, at least not the full, complex picture. There’s so much misunderstanding around it, and I wanted to change that through both words and art.

“This project is about truth and empathy, creating something that feels raw and real, that holds both the pain and the strength within those experiences. As an artist and writer, Through the Cracks has become a way for me to make sense of my own story while giving voice to others who may not have had the chance to share theirs.”

How does this project fit into your overall artistic journey?

“Storytelling has always been at the heart of my work. Whether through writing or other creative projects, I’ve always been drawn to exploring identity, belonging, and the systems that shape our lives.

“Through the Cracks feels like a very natural next step; it’s deeply personal but also part of a bigger conversation about care, resilience, and community. It’s definitely one of the most challenging and meaningful things I’ve worked on so far.”

What stage is your book at right now, and have there been any key moments or milestones so far?

“Right now, I’m deep in the editing phase, shaping the structure and making sure the story feels authentic.

“One of the biggest milestones has been teaching young people in the system the act of self-portraiture. Their openness and honesty have been incredibly powerful and have added so much depth to the project.

“Another key moment was finally finding the right tone, something that’s honest without being heavy, and hopeful without being unrealistic.”

What impact do you hope this project will have on audiences?

“I hope this book helps people see the care system in a more human light beyond the statistics and headlines. I want readers to understand the complexity of those experiences, but also to feel inspired by the resilience and creativity that come out of them. For people who’ve been in care, I hope it offers a sense of recognition – that feeling of, ‘someone gets it’.

“The grant from ArtHouse Jersey has allowed this project to come from a thought to reality. It’s given me the time and confidence to focus fully on finalising the book, to research properly, and to connect with others whose voices deserve to be heard. Without that support, this project would have taken much longer to come together. It’s been a real reminder that art and storytelling can make space for change, especially when people believe in your work.”