Issue 21 – In Conversation with .. 10!

Upon sharing this dream with our neighbour
(a kind-hearted woman who disregarded societal
norms and regularly took anti-depression
medication) my mom that the horse represented her
unborn child and that it was a message to keep the
baby. Consequently, my mother chose to keep me,
and I am here today because of that decision.
Looking back, how has your art evolved since
your days studying fine arts in Damascus?
Reflecting on my art’s evolution, I see a continuous
connection with my past work, albeit with
advancements in topics and techniques. My journey
as an artist began long before my formal studies, as
I exhibited a passion for drawing from a young age
and asked my parents to give me a pin and paper to
draw at 2 years old.
Since coming to Germany, my art has taken on
a more political tone, influenced by a deeper
understanding of my identity and biography.
How do you approach the topic of gender roles
and beauty ideals in your work?
In my work, I aim to illustrate that femininity and
masculinity are not exclusive to any one gender; they
are inherent in all of us, regardless of our gender at
birth or identification.
We should have the freedom to express these aspects
of our personalities however we choose, without
being confined by rigid categorizations. Being human
is far more complex than these limiting categories,
which restrict our imagination and hinder our
collective human civilization.
Discussing beauty ideals, it’s a significant topic
within the queer and particularly the gay community.
Physical appearance holds considerable importance
in the gay community, and I am actively working to
break away from these standards. I strive to depict
diversity in the appearances of the characters
I create, although it’s a gradual process.
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