TEDx Talks - the value of the destination | Mustafa Akram | TEDxArafa
The speaker shares their experience of growing up with a passion for art, starting from drawing cartoons in kindergarten. They highlight the societal belief that 'art doesn't pay,' which discourages many from pursuing it as a career. Despite this, the speaker pursued their passion, using limited resources and support. They describe how they utilized a local youth center's materials to practice art and eventually held exhibitions. The speaker emphasizes the importance of art as a foundational element in various fields, such as medicine and engineering, and argues against the notion that art is not valuable. They recount their journey of opening an art gallery, overcoming societal and financial obstacles, and gaining recognition through international events. The speaker encourages others to pursue their passions, regardless of societal perceptions, and stresses the importance of art in expressing emotions and ideas.
Key Points:
- Art is often undervalued in society, seen as non-profitable.
- The speaker used limited resources to pursue art, showing resilience.
- Art is foundational in many fields, like engineering and medicine.
- Opening an art gallery was a significant achievement despite challenges.
- Pursuing passion is crucial, regardless of societal views.
Details:
1. ๐ Discovering Passion for Art in Early Childhood
- The passion for art began in early childhood, specifically during kindergarten.
- Drawing inspiration was initially derived from cartoons due to the lack of internet access at the time.
- A kindergarten teacher recognized the individual's talent in drawing and utilized it by having them lead art activities.
- This early experience was pivotal, acting as a turning point and fostering the development of creative thinking.
2. ๐ค Societal Perceptions of Art and Challenges
- The widespread belief 'art does not provide bread' deters many from pursuing careers in art.
- There is a generational transmission of the idea that art is not a viable profession, especially in Middle Eastern societies.
- Many individuals who aspire to attend art schools or become artists are discouraged by family traditions and societal norms.
- The phrase 'art does not provide bread' reflects a deep-rooted cultural skepticism towards the economic value of art.
- A transition to challenges: This skepticism translates into concrete challenges for aspiring artists, such as limited support and resources, which further hinders their professional development.
- Examples include the lack of funding for art programs and societal pressure to pursue more 'practical' careers.
- Statistics reveal that only a small percentage of art graduates in the region find employment in their field, underscoring the challenges faced.
3. ๐๏ธ Art's Integral Role in Everyday Life
- Art is often undervalued in society, yet it is foundational to all aspects of life, influencing both historical and modern professions significantly.
- Historically, during the Renaissance, art played a crucial role in designing medical tools and inventions, serving as a precursor to modern engineering and medical advancements.
- In contemporary contexts, art remains vital, providing critical skills and creative thought processes used in fields like architecture, digital design, and user experience (UX) design.
- For example, architecture heavily relies on artistic principles to create functional yet aesthetically pleasing structures, blending engineering precision with creative artistry.
- In digital design, art facilitates the development of engaging user interfaces, enhancing user satisfaction and product usability.
- Art's ongoing relevance and foundational nature demonstrate its indispensable role across diverse professional landscapes, contributing to innovation and problem-solving.
4. ๐จ Achievements and Art Exhibitions
- The integration of artistic skills in engineering enhances creativity and innovation, with artistic engineers more adept at planning and designing.
- Art is foundational across various products, from mobile phones to clothing, where initial sketches lead to final products.
- Architectural designs often begin with simple sketches before being developed in software like AutoCAD or 3D Max.
- The speaker began their artistic journey in 2014, marking a significant personal achievement with their second solo exhibition at a young age.
- The personal achievements include conducting a second solo exhibition, showcasing growth and recognition in the art community.
- The use of art in engineering and product design demonstrates its critical role in innovation and functional aesthetics.
5. ๐ช Overcoming Societal Challenges and Perseverance
- Artists strive for recognition and support, akin to children seeking fair treatment, but face limited resources and societal undervaluation.
- Art spaces are disappearing, such as youth centers, being replaced by commercial developments, highlighting a lack of investment in the arts.
- The perception that art is not important affects investor decisions and availability of spaces, presenting a significant challenge to artists.
- To overcome these challenges, artists are encouraged to advocate for the importance of art and seek alternative spaces and funding.
6. ๐ Experiences Abroad and Cultural Differences
- The speaker utilized community centers in their homeland for artistic development due to a lack of resources and support, providing them access to expensive art supplies.
- Despite holding and participating in art exhibitions, the speaker felt underappreciated for their contributions, leading to the decision to migrate in 2014.
- Migration exposed the speaker to vibrant cityscapes that evoked strong emotional responses, highlighting differences in public behavior and city aesthetics.
- Cultural differences post-migration included variations in how people interact publicly and distinctive architectural styles of the cities.
7. ๐ Creating a Space for Art and Community
- The speaker highlights a significant gap in visual art spaces like galleries and museums in Kirkuk, underscoring a community need for such venues.
- Drawing inspiration from the rich art scene in Europe, there's a clear intention to replicate this by establishing art spaces locally.
- The speaker shares a personal story of leaving due to the absence of art venues and returning with a mission to open a gallery, aiming to enrich the community and foster personal growth.
- Creating these spaces is seen as a way to enhance community engagement, provide cultural enrichment, and offer a platform for local artists.
- The speaker's initiative is not just about filling a void but also about creating opportunities for interaction, learning, and community cohesion.
8. ๐ช Building from Scratch and Community Engagement
8.1. Initial Struggles and Breakthrough
8.2. Community Support and Overcoming Challenges
9. ๐ Educational Outreach and Artistic Initiatives
- The speaker began offering art courses from their home, initially promoting them via Facebook, which attracted unexpected local interest, leading to the registration of 12-13 students within a short time frame.
- Local media coverage significantly increased awareness and credibility, drawing attention from various channels across regions, including the UAE and Baghdad, showcasing the effectiveness of media in outreach efforts.
- The initiative evolved from a personal project into a community-driven effort due to high demand and media attention, reflecting on the scalability potential of passion-driven projects.
- Financial success and media recognition allowed for improvements to the teaching space, such as better lighting, highlighting the importance of reinvestment in enhancing educational infrastructure.
- A book titled 'Graphicโs Revenge' was published, gaining more traction in the Gulf region than locally, indicating the potential for broader regional engagement and the importance of understanding regional markets.
- The speaker organized free events like 'Art Unites Us' to accommodate students with limited resources, demonstrating a strong commitment to accessible education and community service.
- Despite financial constraints, the speaker continued to offer affordable courses, exemplifying a dedication to community service over profit, which is a key strategic approach in ensuring long-term sustainability of community initiatives.
10. ๐ Gaining International Recognition
- The artist was selected as the only representative from the Arab world to participate in an international art symposium, highlighting their unique position and potential for cultural exchange.
- At the symposium, artists were tasked with creating artwork symbolic of their countries. The artist chose to depict a bull, a culturally significant symbol, showcasing their ability to connect art with cultural identity.
- A fortuitous networking opportunity occurred when another artist recognized them at the airport, leading to an invitation to an additional event in Istanbul. This demonstrates the importance of being open to spontaneous opportunities.
- The artist demonstrated adaptability and commitment by opting to attend the Istanbul event, canceling their return ticket in the process.
- In Istanbul, the artist participated in a challenging live drawing session with highly credentialed artists, an experience that likely contributed to their professional growth and exposure.
- The artist's background in mathematics, contrasting with their art career, underscores their diverse skill set and ability to bridge different disciplines, enhancing their artistic approach.
11. ๐จโ๐จ Art as an Expression of the Artist's Soul
- Personal success in art does not require formal education, as demonstrated by the speaker's two international certificates and recognition in Istanbul for direct painting.
- Art functions as a medium for expressing emotions and conveying ideas, rather than merely being colors on a canvas.
- Modern art emphasizes storytelling to communicate ideas across generations, contrasting with the focus during the Renaissance.
- The speaker's work frequently draws comparisons to renowned artists like Van Gogh on social media, highlighting the influence of diverse artistic styles.
- A significant achievement is the sell-out of the first edition of a graphic novel about Vincent Van Gogh in Baghdad, with 100 copies sold on the first day, illustrating its unique cultural impact in Iraq.
12. ๐ Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections on Art
- Start from something simple even if it's as basic as a home without paint or decorations.
- Emphasize personal growth and development through art, stressing the importance of working on oneself.
- Avoid comparing oneself to others and focus on unique personal contributions.
- Strive for individuality and recognition by being distinct and dedicated to one's craft.