Q and A with Ouisam (791 words 4 min.read )
1. At what age did you discover your ability to put your thoughts on paper/canvas and how did this evolve into you becoming an artist?
I was just a little boy of about three when I first picked up a pencil, not to write my ABC’s, but to sketch the world as I saw it, with no fear from taboos. My first masterpiece was a family portrait, which, in retrospect, looked more like a collection of potatoes with stick limbs. For me it was a language, a revelation, and as i grew, this new language became a means of exploring the complexities of life, a canvas upon which I could project my innermost thoughts and emotions. My architecture studies and baground helped me also in transforming this language into becoming a means of exploring the complexities of life, a canvas upon which I could project my innermost thoughts and emotions. Enriched with readings, researches and experimentations, painting and sculpting became my way of engaging with the world, of questioning and understanding the human condition.
2. Can you share with us one story that marked your life which if you look back to can be considered a turning point in your life career?
Picture this: the 2018 Lebanese elections. The city walls were plastered with enormous posters of grinning politicians, their smiles as wide as the promises they never intended to keep. It was a surreal sight, like a bizarre art installation that no one asked for. The contrast between their beaming faces and the grim reality of the people struck in me, reflecting the absurdity of the human condition. In response, I began to create caricatures, using art as a means to critique and question the situation. Those sketches went viral over social media, and i was asked to do a small exhibition in Saifi village. This act of creation was transformative, a realization that art could be a powerful tool for social commentary and change. It was a turning point that solidified my belief in the role of the artist as both observer and participant in the algorithm of life, challenging norms and inspiring reflection.
3. What is your favorite color and why?
The age-old question of favorite colors! For me, it’s a toss-up between the deep, mysterious blue of the ocean and the vibrant, fiery red of a sunset. But if I had to choose, I would say blue, representing both the vastness of the universe and the depth of the human psyche. It is a color that embodies tranquility and introspection, inviting contemplation and serenity. In blue, I find a reflection of the duality of existence, the calm and the storm, the known and the unknown. It is a color that encourages exploration, both of the external world and the inner self. In essence, blue is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things, a bridge between the tangible and the ethereal.
4. What art form other than painting or sculpting is closest to your heart, that you appreciate without you trying to be involved in it?
The art form that tugs at my heartstrings without demanding my participation, is music. There’s something magical about the way a melody can transport me to another world. Music has the power to evoke emotions, tell stories, and bring people together. Music is a philosophical dialogue between the artist and the listener, a dance of notes that speaks to the essence of what it means to be human. It is an art form that I appreciate for its ability to evoke introspection and connection, to transport the soul to realms beyond the ordinary. While I may not participate in its creation, I am profoundly moved by its presence, finding in it a source of inspiration in my work as an artist.
5. Is there any project that you did that you regret (or in another sense, is there any project that you regret not being part of) ?
Reflecting on my artistic journey, one project I regret not being part of was an international art residency in Germany in 2019. This opportunity promised to immerse me in a culture renowned for its artistic heritage and innovation, allowing for collaboration with artists from around the globe. However, at that time, my commitments to family duties and my teaching roles at the American University of Beirut (AUB) and NDU made it challenging to step away for an extended period.
However, participating in the residency could have offered invaluable insights and inspiration, enriching my artistic perspective and broadening my creative horizons. The experience of living and creating in Germany, with its unique blend of tradition and modernity, would have been a profound influence on my work.
