At the Al Balad Theater, a group of aspiring digital artists came together for a unique journey that would not only test their creative boundaries but also challenge their understanding of human rights. Among these artists were Layan Abu Atia and Aram, two talented individuals whose stories serve as a testament to the power of art in shedding light on the fundamental principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Layan Abu Atia, 20 years old, a Multimedia – Visual Arts student at the University of Jordan, embarked on this creative adventure with a passion for digital art and a deep desire to explore the connection between art and human rights. With graduation on the horizon, Layan saw this workshop as a chance to make a meaningful impact on society through her art.
During the workshop, Layan partnered with a fellow participant named Leeyan Ghonajoq, 21 years old, and together, they embarked on a project titled "Inking Brains." This project aimed to explore the right to free expression, a cornerstone of human rights, along with the right to think critically and quality education. Their artwork revolved around the concept of the brain as the starting point for expression, the epicenter of thought, and the catalyst for speech.
"Inking Brains" beautifully represented these interconnected ideas by incorporating three primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. Each color symbolized the essence of free expression, a fundamental aspect of life itself. Layan and her partner's work emphasized the role of communication, media, and education in shaping our perceptions of the world. Through their art, they highlighted the vital importance of these mediums in ensuring that the right to free expression thrives and flourishes.
Aram,23years old, a talented multimedia designer with a passion for addressing societal issues and human rights through collage art, brought her unique perspective to the workshop. Her project, titled "no rights," delved into the complexities of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights – the right to freedom of expression.
Aram's artwork depicted the harsh reality faced by individuals in societies where this fundamental right is denied or suppressed. In her creation, she portrayed a rational human being bound like an infant with a restricting blanket, a powerful symbol of the suppression of expression. As they matured, their movement was further constricted by iron sheets and sharp wires, illustrating the growing obstacles to voicing their opinions. The adhesive on their ears, mouth, and eyes served as a poignant representation of the stifling effect on their thoughts.
Through "no rights," Aram captured the heartbreaking journey of individuals who, over time, began to believe that having rights was unnatural. The adhesive became ingrained in their skin, a painful reminder of the struggle to express themselves freely.
The 4-day Art Lab Workshop at Al Balad Theater provided these artists with a platform to express their thoughts, concerns, and hopes for human rights through the medium of digital art. Their projects, "Inking Brains" and "no rights," not only showcased their immense talent but also raised important questions about the state of human rights in Jordan and beyond.
As Layan, Aram, and their fellow participants shared their creations and reflections on the fourth day of the workshop, it was evident that art had the power to provoke thought, inspire change, and ignite a collective consciousness about human rights. Through their artistic endeavors, they had expanded the scope of discussion and elevated the dialogue about these crucial issues beyond the confines of legal language.
In a world where the language of human rights often conceals forms of suffering that international agreements were not designed for, artists like Layan and Aram are proving that art can bridge the gap between legal frameworks and the lived experiences of individuals. Their work stands as a testament to the transformative power of art in the pursuit of social justice, reminding us all that the right to free expression is a fundamental cornerstone of a just and equitable society.
