Abrahamic Religions: Artist Alex Ahmad Abli and Skirball Cultural Center on Social Justice and Religion for Be the Change L.A. 2023
Published Jul 30, 2023
Abrahamic Religions
Above: (3 min) Be the Change 2023 | Los Angeles | Abrahamic Religions with Alex Ahmad Abli. Video by the Jewish Arts Collaborative.
ABOUT THE ART:
In partnership with Skirball Cultural Center, Abrahamic Religions is a public art installation that seeks to illuminate the harmony between religions, specifically Judaism and Islam. Born in a war zone, artist Alex Ahmad Abli emphasizes that religions universally preach love and acceptance, a realization he gained after moving to the U.S. where he observed different cultures living in harmony. The piece presents symbolic elements from both religions, revealing common goals of peace and love. As an ink artist, Abli’s technique involves scanning and digitizing his ink work for easier presentation. Abli hopes his art will inspire global unity, urging acceptance of uniqueness as a means for humanity’s evolution and strength. He believes focusing on religion as a unifying tool rather than a divisive one can create positive change. His mother, an artist herself, was his main inspiration. Abli’s artistic process doesn’t involve preplanned designs; instead, he lets his art evolve organically, serving as his therapy and means of expression. His next project involves experimenting with Van Gogh’s style, an artist he admires for his unique brushwork and color usage.
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Alex Ahmad Abli identifies as a self-taught artist who specializes in ink art. He likes telling stories with lines and symbols combining the past with the present. He believes that art has endless possibilities and can transform into limitless creations.
Learn more about Be the Change and explore more tzedakah boxes from Be the Change L.A. 2023.
Abrahamic Religions
Above: One side of the Abrahamic Religions large-scale “tzedakah box” in Plummer Park, West Hollywood for Be the Change L.A. 2023. Photo by Brett Erickson.
Abrahamic Religions
Above: A different view of the Abrahamic Religions large-scale “tzedakah box” in Plummer Park, West Hollywood for Be the Change L.A. 2023. Photo by Brett Erickson.
Abrahamic Religions
Above: A close-up of Abrahamic Religions. Photo by Brett Erickson.
Abrahamic Religions
Above: A second close-up of Abrahamic Religions. Photo by Brett Erickson.
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Reflections
1
The artist's personal experience of being born in a war zone greatly influenced the creation of this piece, and he discusses how in the United States he observed a higher degree of harmony and acceptance. How does the artist's personal background and experiences shape your interpretation of the artwork?
2
In Abli's work, he discusses his use of ink as a medium and how he also incorporated digital aspects to the artwork for ease of displaying it on vinyl. How does this combination of traditional and digital mediums add to the overall impact and message of the artwork? How does this use of medium reflect the blend of old (symbolisms, traditions) and new (digital era, modern acceptance) that Abli seems to be conveying in his artwork?
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