"This is not merely a statement; it is a declaration. A roar from the depths of the creative spirit, echoing through the canyons of convention and shattering the chains of expectation. For too long, the boundless force of art has been confined, categorized, and diminished. For too long, the inherent creativity within each of us, especially within women, has been stifled by the whispers of doubt and the shouts of societal decree. No more. This manifesto is a rebellion, an uprising of the soul, a defiant embrace of the truth: I Am What I Art." Fadwa Al Qasem
I wrote this manifesto many years ago, and it has changed and evolved over time as I have also evolved and changed. I wrote it to keep myself on track, but it quickly gained a momentum of its own as it resonated with many other women in my world.
In this manifesto I share my whys. The reason I art. I reason I believe in art. Why art keeps me going. I Am What I Art encompasses as much as as possible of my identities as Palestinian, Canadian, artist, author, daughter, sister, wife, mother, restless woman with a gypsy's spirit, who is doing her best to live responsibly, with joy, passion, compassion, fun, and rebellion.
In this manifesto I share my whys. The reason I art. I reason I believe in art. Why art keeps me going. I Am What I Art encompasses as much as as possible of my identities as Palestinian, Canadian, artist, author, daughter, sister, wife, mother, restless woman with a gypsy's spirit, who is doing her best to live responsibly, with joy, passion, compassion, fun, and rebellion.
I Am What I Art Manifesto
Read the full manifesto below or click here to download
The Unbreakable Truths
We stand on the bedrock of these truths, forged in the fire of self-discovery and honed by the relentless pursuit of authenticity:
Creativity is Our Birthright, Not a Privilege.
It flows through our veins, a primal current connecting us to the very essence of existence. It is not a talent bestowed upon a select few, but a universal language, an inherent human right. To deny this is to deny our deepest selves, to sever the ties that bind us to our most potent form of expression. We reclaim this birthright with every stroke, every word, every defiant act of creation.
Self-Expression is Our Revolution.
In a world that seeks to define, confine, silence, and diminish, courageous self-expression is the ultimate act of rebellion. It is the shattering of imposed narratives, the dismantling of limiting beliefs, and the audacious assertion of our unique voices. Through art, we reclaim our power, not just for ourselves, but for all who have been silenced. Our canvases are battlegrounds, our words are our magic power, and our creations are the banners of our liberation.
Identity is a Fluid Masterpiece.
We refuse to be pigeonholed, labeled, or reduced to simplistic definitions. Like art itself, we are multifaceted, contradictory, and ever-evolving. We embrace the beautiful chaos of our identities. We are simultaneously bold and ambiguous, strong and soft, restless and serene. Our art is the mirror reflecting this intricate dance of self, a testament to the boundless interpretations of who we are.
Art is Our Compass, Our Healer, Our Weapon.
It is the tool through which we navigate the complexities of human experience, from joyous heights to somber depths of injustice. We wield art to expose hypocrisy, to challenge oppression, and to illuminate the darkest corners of societal inequity. Art is also our balm, healing wounds, fostering connection, and weaving threads of hope into the urgent tapestry of our times. We transform pain into purpose, silence into song, and despair into defiant beauty.
Community is Our Collective Canvas.
We are not solitary stars, but a constellation of creative souls, bound by a shared vision of liberation. We uplift, inspire, empower, and support one another, recognizing that every woman's journey is a vital thread in the grand design. In this collective embrace, we dismantle the walls of competition and build bridges of collaboration. Together, we amplify our voices, magnify our impact, and create a world where every creative dream finds fertile ground to flourish.
The Call to Action: Ignite Your Art, Ignite Your World
This is not a passive invitation; it is a fervent call to arms. A summons to awaken the dormant artist within, to unleash the untamed spirit of creation that resides in your very core.
Break Free:
Cast off the shackles of expectation, the whispers of doubt, and the fear of judgment. Your creativity is not a luxury; it is a necessity for your well-being, your liberation.
Embrace Your Voice:
Let your unique perspective roar. Whether through paint, prose, movement, or the very way you live your life, assert your truth. Your voice is a powerful instrument of change, a beacon in the darkness.
Connect and Collaborate:
Reach out. Share your work. Support your sisters in creation. Together, we are an unstoppable force, a vibrant tapestry of shared dreams and collective power.
Transform and Heal:
Use your art to confront injustice, to illuminate hidden truths, and to weave hope into the fabric of our urgent reality. Let your creations be a catalyst for healing, a testament to resilience, a promise of a better world.
Live Your Art:
Turn every breath, every moment, every challenge into a masterpiece. For when you truly live what you art, you don't just change yourself; you ignite the world.
Join us. Be rebellious. Be evocative. Be undeniably, unapologetically, WHAT YOU ART.
We stand on the bedrock of these truths, forged in the fire of self-discovery and honed by the relentless pursuit of authenticity:
Creativity is Our Birthright, Not a Privilege.
It flows through our veins, a primal current connecting us to the very essence of existence. It is not a talent bestowed upon a select few, but a universal language, an inherent human right. To deny this is to deny our deepest selves, to sever the ties that bind us to our most potent form of expression. We reclaim this birthright with every stroke, every word, every defiant act of creation.
Self-Expression is Our Revolution.
In a world that seeks to define, confine, silence, and diminish, courageous self-expression is the ultimate act of rebellion. It is the shattering of imposed narratives, the dismantling of limiting beliefs, and the audacious assertion of our unique voices. Through art, we reclaim our power, not just for ourselves, but for all who have been silenced. Our canvases are battlegrounds, our words are our magic power, and our creations are the banners of our liberation.
Identity is a Fluid Masterpiece.
We refuse to be pigeonholed, labeled, or reduced to simplistic definitions. Like art itself, we are multifaceted, contradictory, and ever-evolving. We embrace the beautiful chaos of our identities. We are simultaneously bold and ambiguous, strong and soft, restless and serene. Our art is the mirror reflecting this intricate dance of self, a testament to the boundless interpretations of who we are.
Art is Our Compass, Our Healer, Our Weapon.
It is the tool through which we navigate the complexities of human experience, from joyous heights to somber depths of injustice. We wield art to expose hypocrisy, to challenge oppression, and to illuminate the darkest corners of societal inequity. Art is also our balm, healing wounds, fostering connection, and weaving threads of hope into the urgent tapestry of our times. We transform pain into purpose, silence into song, and despair into defiant beauty.
Community is Our Collective Canvas.
We are not solitary stars, but a constellation of creative souls, bound by a shared vision of liberation. We uplift, inspire, empower, and support one another, recognizing that every woman's journey is a vital thread in the grand design. In this collective embrace, we dismantle the walls of competition and build bridges of collaboration. Together, we amplify our voices, magnify our impact, and create a world where every creative dream finds fertile ground to flourish.
The Call to Action: Ignite Your Art, Ignite Your World
This is not a passive invitation; it is a fervent call to arms. A summons to awaken the dormant artist within, to unleash the untamed spirit of creation that resides in your very core.
Break Free:
Cast off the shackles of expectation, the whispers of doubt, and the fear of judgment. Your creativity is not a luxury; it is a necessity for your well-being, your liberation.
Embrace Your Voice:
Let your unique perspective roar. Whether through paint, prose, movement, or the very way you live your life, assert your truth. Your voice is a powerful instrument of change, a beacon in the darkness.
Connect and Collaborate:
Reach out. Share your work. Support your sisters in creation. Together, we are an unstoppable force, a vibrant tapestry of shared dreams and collective power.
Transform and Heal:
Use your art to confront injustice, to illuminate hidden truths, and to weave hope into the fabric of our urgent reality. Let your creations be a catalyst for healing, a testament to resilience, a promise of a better world.
Live Your Art:
Turn every breath, every moment, every challenge into a masterpiece. For when you truly live what you art, you don't just change yourself; you ignite the world.
Join us. Be rebellious. Be evocative. Be undeniably, unapologetically, WHAT YOU ART.
