I’m a dreamer. I dream of a world where art is more respected and appreciated.
In my country, artists are not as cherished as they should be, since art tends to be regarded just as a cool hobby, not a respectable job. But I believe that art can play an important role in people’s lives. It can touch you personally and emotionally.
I traveled to Palestine at age 21, and before visiting this country, I didn’t have any idea what was truly happening. All I knew just came from the media. I had to see reality with my own eyes. The lack of human rights for these people is unbelievable. Those who are brainwashed with the idea that Palestinians are dangerous don’t even give them a chance to talk. This was when I started speaking through my painting for those who are voiceless: the Palestinians. Some have said they are grateful that artists like me exist in the world. Through my art, I’m giving them hope. After all, we are all human despite our skin color, ethnicity, or religion. This trip changed me as a person and an artist. That’s how you learn the most—get up and do something!
This experience has brought me another dream: living in a respectful world, where we all accept differences, especially our cultural differences. And for that to happen, we must start questioning ourselves, “What can I do for others?”
I live in a house, I have clothes to wear, and food to eat. I do not accept that those who live in the same conditions as mine complain about everything when the world is literally falling apart for some people. There’s a good expression in Portugal for that—don’t complain with your stomach full!
In his letter to artists, Pope John Paul II wrote, “That is why artists, the more conscious they are of their gift, are led all the more to see themselves and the whole of creation with eyes able to contemplate and give thanks, and to raise to God a hymn of praise. This is the only way for them to come to a full understanding of themselves, their vocation, and their mission.”
Art can change lives. Give it a chance! There’s a huge world outside your comfort zone. Through my paintings, I want to touch people and speak about subjects that no one wants to talk about. Enough political speeches and unfilled promises. Let us artists do something important with the gift given to us. We have a mission!
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