The art of expression is a dire necessity that lives within all of humanity. However, finding the right medium to channel our ideas is the challenging part.
This is especially relevant for those amongst us who need an outlet to express themselves, those who might suffer from a disability that makes normal life a challenge for them.
Uriel Levitt and Sibtain Junejo are two such spirits who did not allow their shortcomings contain them from pouring out their creativity on canvas.
Coming from two completely opposing backgrounds but finding a medium that joins them in unity, these two keen artists along with other international artists were celebrated at the 12th Annual Art Exhibit ‘Yo Soy, Je Suis, I Am the World’, in the U.S. Department of Education (ED) in Washington, D.C.
Sibtain Junejo, a 15-year-old art enthusiast from Karachi, along with his family attended the event held to further the VSA’s mission. VSA is an international organization that wants to “provide arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities and increase access to the arts for all.”
The founder of VSA, Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith, worked 40 years to make this platform possible. She was exhilarated at the opening ceremony, with Sibtain and Uriel helping usher in this edition of VSA.
To honor the international artists, Sue Swenson, Deputy assistant secretary for the US Department of Education Office on Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, among many others, shared her perspective on the significance of art as a medium that allows explicit expression.
In her speech, she expressed her gratitude and requested the attendees to not just observe the pieces from an aesthetic eye but let it warm their hearts.
“All human beings are … equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. Our artists here today and those who have also contributed to this exhibit have communicated with us in the spirit of brotherhood.”
Many others voiced their opinions in a panel discussion entitled “Changing Lives Through Arts Education,”and shared the unified opinion that art has no boundaries and is indeed endowed with the colors of unity.
According to Mario.R.Rossero, Senior Vice President, Education at Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, art captivates the human mind and creates a united expression of “identity, voice, collaboration and relationships, imagination, confidence, and no boundaries.”
For the artists themselves, it was a delightful change to see their pieces put to display for a bigger international audience. While Uriel expressed his excitement on being allowed this opportunity, Sibtain’s sister contributed her gratitude on his behalf.
“We are thankful that you are showing the world that this art exists. Everyone has special needs, theirs are just more visible.”
The exhibit was opened to the public on 17th November and will continue to showcase these pieces till the end of December, allowing people the opportunity to experience art that shouts out for a unified front.
You can see more pictures of the event here.
Via HomeRoom
