Art is essential for life, without art we don't progress. It is a particularly special tool for creating change – it influences us by shifting our thinking, opinions and instilling values. It improves our lives by helping us express our emotions which can help us heal and grow. Art does not only help strengthen our critical thinking, but improves the way we understand contemporary problems. It has a significant impact on society. Teaching through art can present difficult concepts visually, making it easier to understand and help us with the development of making decisions. 

As an artist, I use art as a medium to talk about the many social and environmental issues we face today.

With art we can search ourselves, tells our stories, thoughts, and vision. When I talk about gun violence, and human rights, I dip used shoes in color and then throw it on canvas. I want to talk about health, emotions, bad habits, trauma, and how to convert the negative energy into positive energy. For instance, If people are angry, they need to put their anger on canvas - or if they have fear, they need to put their fear on canvas.

The critically important role of art has been said to enable us to see environmental problems of this world, and seeing the world through particular artworks is to see the truth that invites us to think, to be aware and to take good action. So, when I focus on pollution/plastic, I use garbage and plastics, dip them in color and throw them on canvas. And when I focus on climate change, I use used car tires, dip the tire in color and run it on canvas.

This projects purpose is to raise awareness, educate, encourage people to think creatively and inspire, because when we take action - changes happens. 

“REBEL: Take Action” is completely self and donation funded. If you would like to contribute with a donation please click below:

January 5, 2020

Poet, painter and former POW Kifah Abdulla takes action through art

The Iraq native and Portland resident is channeling the energy of Arabic script for his 'Rebel' project.

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