№2 Mr. Faig Ahmed — Exclusive ADAlilar Magazine Interview

Summary

In this interview, artist F Ahmed discusses his creative journey and the cultural influences shaping his work. He emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, the value of failure in the creative process, and the balance between individuality and societal norms. Ahmed's art, deeply rooted in cultural traditions, explores the interplay of local and global perspectives, aiming to connect communities and provoke thought through interactive pieces, particularly his signature carpets that challenge conventional exhibition norms.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The speaker, an artist, emphasizes the importance of art as a lifestyle and a way of thinking, not just a discipline.
• 🎨 The artist's signature style is deeply influenced by cultural and historical objects, reflecting a connection to society and social behavior.
• 🧶 The process of creating art, especially intricate carpets, involves collaboration with traditional carpet makers, primarily women, highlighting the intersection of local craft and global contemporary art.
• 🔍 The artist discusses the evolution of their style over time, focusing on the importance of ideas and concepts behind the art rather than just visual changes.
• ⏳ The artist shares experiences of failure and learning from it, underlining the necessity of perseverance and continuous improvement in the creative process.
• 🤝 The importance of support from others, including friends and community, is acknowledged in the journey of creating art and establishing a studio.
• 💡 Creativity and ideas are central to the artist's work, with the suggestion that ideas can come from anywhere, including dreams and moments of inspiration.
• 🌐 The artist explores the balance between local culture and global influences, bringing traditional cultural knowledge into the global art discourse.
• 👂 Listening to a wide range of perspectives, from various backgrounds, is crucial for an artist's growth and the development of unique ideas.
• 🚫 The artist addresses dealing with criticism and negativity, suggesting that it's a natural part of the creative process and can be valuable for growth.
• 🌈 The interview concludes with advice for students to be themselves, maximize their identity, and find balance between individuality and social norms for success.

Q & A

What is Adalar Journal and what is its significance?

Adalar Journal is a publication founded in 2019 at Ada School. It is more than just a journal, having hosted numerous events and published four issues by the time of the transcript. It serves as a platform for students to express their work and ideas.

What is the role of Denis Sultan in Adalar Journal?

Denis Sultan is the External Affairs Officer for Adalar Journal, responsible for representing the journal and organizing events.

Can you describe the guest F Ahmed's profession and perspective on art?

F Ahmed is an artist who views art as not only a discipline but also a lifestyle and a way of thinking. He believes that art should be shared and is deeply connected to cultural and historical objects, analyzing society and social behavior.

How does F Ahmed's art reflect his cultural background?

F Ahmed's art is influenced by his cultural background, using traditional elements and historical objects that are significant in his culture and others with similar values and visual culture.

What is the process of creating F Ahmed's signature style?

F Ahmed's signature style is developed through a process of analysis and understanding of culture, society, and the interconnection between images and social behavior. It took several years of exploration and collaboration with the local community of carpet makers to refine his style.

How does F Ahmed work with the local community in his art projects?

F Ahmed collaborates with local communities, particularly with women who are traditional carpet makers. He works closely with them, learning from their expertise and integrating their skills into his contemporary art projects.

What challenges did F Ahmed face when starting his art projects involving local traditions?

Initially, F Ahmed faced resistance from the local community, particularly the carpet makers, who were skeptical about his modern approach to their traditional craft. It took time and multiple attempts to gain their trust and acceptance.

How does F Ahmed view the relationship between traditional and contemporary art?

F Ahmed sees traditional art as a part of everyday life and culture, while contemporary art is something that pushes boundaries and makes people look to the future. His work aims to bridge the gap between these two, bringing new questions and perspectives to the art world.

What advice does F Ahmed have for students pursuing success in their endeavors?

F Ahmed advises students to be true to themselves, maximize their individuality, and listen carefully to others while maintaining their unique perspectives. He emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and supporting one another as a community.

How does F Ahmed handle criticism and negativity towards his work?

F Ahmed views criticism as a necessary part of the artistic process, acknowledging that not everyone will appreciate his work. He differentiates between constructive criticism, which he values, and destructive criticism, which he tries to disregard.

What is F Ahmed's approach to dealing with creative burnout?

F Ahmed manages creative burnout by controlling his creative energy and taking breaks when necessary. He suggests an 'information diet' and activities like meditation to help refresh the mind and regain balance.

Can you explain F Ahmed's concept of art being both abstract and multi-related?

F Ahmed believes that art, especially his, is abstract and multi-related, meaning it can be connected to many different aspects. It can be described by words, images, or both, and often requires a deeper understanding of the connections it presents.

What is the significance of the carpet in F Ahmed's work and how does he incorporate it?

The carpet is a significant element in F Ahmed's work due to its cultural value and historical significance. He incorporates it by collaborating with traditional carpet makers, transforming the carpets into contemporary art pieces that question and reinterpret cultural values.

How does F Ahmed's work with performance art involve large groups of people?

F Ahmed's performance art involves large groups of people acting together, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. These performances are a form of collective expression that can be seen as a social experiment, exploring the dynamics of group behavior and interaction.

What is the role of memory in F Ahmed's artistic process?

F Ahmed consciously tries not to hold onto memories of his past works, as he believes this can make his creative process heavier and limit his ability to think expansively and innovatively.

How does F Ahmed view the role of art in society?

F Ahmed sees art as a powerful tool for influencing society and individuals. He believes that art should not just be about pleasing the senses but should also challenge and provoke thought and discussion.

What is the relationship between F Ahmed's art and the concept of Sufism?

Sufism, with its philosophical and spiritual teachings, has influenced F Ahmed's worldview and, by extension, his art. He sees parallels between the surrealistic elements of Sufi thought and the abstract and dreamlike qualities in his artwork.

How does F Ahmed's interest in psychology manifest in his art?

F Ahmed's interest in psychology is evident in his exploration of human behavior and the way art influences the human brain. His work often delves into the psychological impact of art and the interplay between individual and collective experiences.

What is the significance of the carpet-cutting incident in F Ahmed's narrative?

The incident of cutting an old, culturally significant carpet for an art project was a pivotal moment for F Ahmed. It symbolizes the tension between tradition and innovation, and the challenges of reinterpreting cultural symbols in a contemporary context.

How does F Ahmed approach the intersection of local and global in his work?

F Ahmed aims to connect the local, specifically the traditional knowledge and practices of his community, with the global language of contemporary art. He sees this as a way to bring cultural knowledge to a broader audience and challenge conventional notions of what constitutes art.

What advice would F Ahmed give to his younger self?

F Ahmed would advise his younger self to continue on the path he was on, emphasizing the importance of following one's own direction and trusting the process, as it has led him to a place of happiness and fulfillment.