Afghan refugee gains celebrity status as 'Little Picasso' in Serbia

Afghan refugee Farhad Nouri's skillful drawings of famous people, like this portrait of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, have made him a local celebrity in Serbia. The 10-year-old has been living with his family at a refugee camp near the Serbian capital of Belgrade for the last eight months after attempts to reach Western Europe failed.

With only a picture on a smartphone for reference, Farhad sketches and shades his subjects with exceptional detail. Upon his arrival in Serbia, he joined art classes organized by aid groups. His talent was quickly recognized and he soon became known as "Little Picasso" around the refugee camp.

The young artist holds up a drawing of Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic in his room at the refugee camp. "I was in Turkey, I was in Greece," Farhad told the Associated Press in March about the journey to Europe. "Here in the camp I like my painting, I like drawing my feelings and faces."

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic offered Farhad and his family citizenship on Wednesday, after meeting with the boy and his family. "I know for how long you have traveled and that you want to go to Switzerland," Vucic told Fahrad. "But if you decide to stay, we will give you the citizenship now." In turn, Farhad gave Vucic a gift as well - a portrait of himself.

Farhad's art is also helping others in need. Last week, the young artist held his first exhibition at a cafe in Belgrade to raise money for a Serbian boy's post-cancer therapy. He said he wanted to show how important it is to be good to others.

Farhad poses next to a vibrant painting of an elephant on display for his charity exhibition, which was organized with the help of aid groups and supported by the Serbian government. "His talent is truly exceptional," said Ivan Miskovic, an official Serbia's refugee agency.

Fahrad sits with his mother, father and two brothers at his art exhibition in Belgrade. The Nouri family left their home in Afghanistan two years ago in the hopes of reaching Europe. Although they had initially wished to travel further, Serbian President Vucic's citizenship offer also included a job offer for Fahrad's father.

Although he currently still lives in a narrow room at the refugee camp, Farhad hopes to study painting, photography and languages in Switzerland one day to improve his artistic skills.