Platform for discussion001
What do we need to know about the MENA region today?
History repeats itself – this line used across the disciplines is a proven liturgy to contemporary compendiums. When you detail the visual narratives, the region becomes the medium designed to mark your place in history. Whether in the Stone Age or the Digital Age, information is your power, and revolution your tool.
Egypt just witnessed its first revolt since 1952; a revolution against autocracy and oppression, a revolution against social scrutiny and silence. Triggered by what initially arose in Tunis and is now running through the veins of Algeria, Bahrain and Libya, the Egyptian Revolts became the global emblem of a civil freedom sparked by a post on Facebook.
But will the future keep the rebels' promise?
The MENA region is this question mark. If you know your history, you might also know what will happen next. No matter how many times history repeats itself, we can't seem to stop our process of repetition.
Artists are the documenters. They mark the time and place of the event regardless of how their verses are voiced: loud and clear, proud and magnificent, unsightly or progressive, beautiful and regressive. They keep returning to this starting point – ironically it is also the finishing line. Artists from this region are contemporary history in motion. So keep a close eye, and learn everything about them because in every single one you'll find a rebel.
What is a platform?
A platform is a space for speaking in public. It is an opportunity to express ideas and thoughts. It also suggests the formal declaration of a stance or position on any given subject.
Unique to Ibraaz is a 'platform', a question put to writers, thinkers and artists about an issue relevant to the MENA region. This platform is sent to respondents both within and beyond the MENA region and contributions will be archived every 12 months.