Visual Arts in North Africa... A Desert Diary May ‘08

Author Undisclosed

The door to the university closed. After a successful time last year alongside students we waited, prayed, wondered what God had for this trip. The authorities at the university wanted official papers; it looked unlikely we could work there again. But God had brought us here, a group of artists eager to make work and get to know locals!

After praying we felt we should ‘stand firm.’ We began asking around in the shops in the town if there were places we could exhibit. Where there artists in the town? Surprisingly, the same names kept on coming up. We were led to a cultural centre in the centre of the old town. After a phone call, we met with the minister of culture. Although all of our friends seemed to dislike this man, he showed us unusual favour. Explaining what we hoped to do; to put on an art exhibition of stories from his town, he welcomed us with open arms, suggesting places to exhibit, enquiring how we would finance it, and even offering to help publicise it! He didn’t even want official papers!

Each day it seemed we were introduced to key people who helped bring together the exhibition... that we hoped would be redemptive in nature. We were entertained at a cultural evening, and had a wonderful three course meal at the home of an artist who usually entertains official guests. A professor at the university donated essays from his students: collections of local stories. An archaeologist, working for the ministry of culture took us on an early morning tour of the town, the oldest and most significant places, which were not easily seen form the street and his uncles house, just for the view! From a spiritual point of view it was fascinating. I felt that doing this exhibition, in the heart of the old town, was at the centre of God’s heart. There was a battle going on but I believe something changed spiritually in the town because of this exhibition. The work reflected God’s heart for the people. From brokenness to being clothed, purification and a call to come for living water. A rose cradled in the rock; a symbol of the Muslim community, still cared for by God. Inanimate animals, rides from a theme park, shown next to a sheep... the true lamb who gives life! Broken tiles and mirrors, showing beaty through brokenness. Doors from the old town; with characters standing beneath, where the paint seems to sweep around them, metaphorically redeeming strategic points in the town.

During the exhibition, a film was played, focusing on these old parts of the heritage, different characters we’ve met along the way, and drawing out these themes of redeeming that which is broken. Those who came, children, shop owners, officials and friends, enjoyed seeing themselves and their town in our work. A town often overlooked, but which is deeply loved by God.

The minister opened the exhibition with a speech, whilst reporters busily made notes. Two of our guys were interviewed on national radio, and the Mayor and a regional representative of the King spent time with us individually asking us about our work. Who could’ve known only a week before we had no place or work to display! We were warmly invited back next year, and thanked for building cultural bridges with their town. Many deeper conversations were had, as we could explain our work to visitors and friends, and we were able to share about the one we Love and made the work for! The one who took our broken lives and made them into something beautiful for Himself. We were able to follow up on some students from last year and meet new ones! The real treat was the variety of characters that came. Not just students; people from all walks of life, with many interesting stories they wanted to tell us!