Welcome to the Kingdom

Welcome to the Kingdom

Kingdom. The word conjures up a fairy tale. Childhood fantasies of being wrapped up in the Arabian Nights: tales of love, betrayal, greed, and murder. Jewels, sand, magic carpets, and camels (possibly grumpy). The air swirling with perfumes and clouds of shisha smoke.

Now I get to visit this mystic region and learn that there is more to it than meets the eye.

1 response(s) to:

Welcome to the Kingdom

  • 2012 01 25 at 05:01

    wise words lizzie ...

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Date: 01.25.2012

1 comments Add yours

Lizzie Hobbs

Age:
23
Location:
London, UK
Specialty:
Artist

The only way to bring about change is to make it happen. I believe stereotypes in society can be broken down if the effort is made. And why should change start with politics, why not art? Let’s turn to Saudi Arabia. This freehand pattern takes the viewer on a journey. As the eyes move from the centre outwards to the final layers, the mind expands to see a different representation of this misunderstood country. The stereotypical view of religion and violence moves away to show positive elements of Saudi life. Yes, without explanation the artwork may seem obscure, but this gets one thinking…and questioning.

I am ambitious and believe that creative expression can be powerful. It is a good way to engage with today’s youth, who after all are making our future. This is a great opportunity to help collapse the barriers of assumptions and to open the eyes of others, including my own, to portray Saudi Arabia as a positive country – home to tradition and modernity. There is a lot to learn away from the distortion of the media. As the mirrors in my artwork reflect, whoever stands before it sees themselves. We’re all the same. We’re all human.