"Between Brushes and Bullets: Please, Don't Kill My Art."
"Recently, I've been grappling with a profound fear of losing my creativity in a reality where war dictates culture. As the pink gun is aimed at the head of my self-portrait in my painting, it symbolizes my intimate fears of seeing my art led to its grave, buried under failure and lack of recognition.
The gun, a symbol of the normalization of pain and threats we become accustomed to, looms over creation, reminding us how culture and art are crushed under the flags of combat and war. War manages to instill a solemnity into the artistic consciousness, and I, as an artist, find myself struggling to preserve my work amidst a whirlwind of swords and ammunition.
This struggle is not only personal but also cultural. Every time color is suppressed under the weight of the military, we witness the potential burial of a rich and diverse culture. As I contemplate the future, I ask myself – can we place art at its rightful center stage once the fears subside and the weapons are silenced?
It is a time when we must raise awareness that art is not just a hobby or a luxury item, but the soul of society. Will we allow art to thrive and impact, or will we watch it approach the brink of exile?
As the world contends with conflicts and wars, I am searching for an opening for dialogue that could bring us back to a place where art flourishes—a place of calm, peace, and recognition of the human and cultural value of creation. This is a time to reflect, think, and act to ensure that the things we value most—the freedom to create and express—continue to light our way, even in an era when peace seems like a distant dream. Art is not just a personal expression but also a cosmopolitan act; it serves as a link between individuals and nations, and its power to nourish spirits and heal souls is immense. During this period, my personal experience as an artist acts as a magnifying glass on the potential to create cultural tranquility. In times when despair seems easy, art offers an opening to optimism and change. When we support and promote art, we not only enjoy its beauty but also contribute to building a culture of peace, mutual understanding, and connection. Please join this process, influence, and change along with the art you love."