Thuraya Shlebak

Silent Protest, culture, representation and change

This work presents the arts as a form of silent protest, to share insight and empower communities from North Africa/ The Maghreb. Pessimism or optimism in discipline? My chosen tone and themes of interest are often idealistic with surrealist qualities. I query this approach to design-thinking, use storytelling to pinpoint my own connection to the subject area, and include academia and theory practice in understanding further, decolonising and “pluriversal” design for radical change. I am creating a series of 3-4 images to illustrate the oxymoronic relationships between image and subject i.e., surrealism to realism. The arts have the ability to influence and be inspired by the culture and context in which it is made. To reinforce the importance of representation via the arts and culture sector, for the voices of a minority. My work ceases to engage upon immediate observation through the use of colour and surrealism. I demonstrate new and powerful ways of silent protest to inspire and empower new ideas around culture, representation and change. The power of the people and new ways of powerful activism.