Stories of Radical Resilience: Artworks
Artist: Ala’a Ali
On Wednesday, June 16th, SGM convened our fifth independent dialogue, "Stories of Radical Resilience" in preparation for the upcoming UN Food Systems Summit. A guiding question throughout the dialogue was, "what are the key ingredients of radical resilience?" As we discussed together, we also invited artists to listen in on the conversations among participants to help visualize the stories.
The product of this invitation is six powerful pieces that translate resilience beautifully. From the creation of a piece inspired by the Hibiscus flowers used in Amal Soliman's fragrant drink to portraitures of the people who shared, these six artists capture the narratives in vibrant and sentimental ways. Read more on the artists and the inspiration guiding their work below.
Breakout Room 1: El Liderazgo Comunitario
Melyna’s Story
Artist: Alejandra Bautista @visionesyletras
Artist description: Melyna’s heart is full of love and care; it expands, touching every soul in her way with tenderness. Melyna has gone through so much, but even in the darkest nights, she remained strong, rising above the challenges. She believed, she had hope, she loved unconditionally and now she gets to lead and feed her community with passion, changing lives, healing broken hearts.
Breakout Room 2: El Aprendizaje y Trabajo Inclusivos
María Eugenia’s Story
Breakout Room 3: Food Security and Social Cohesion
Tareek’s Story
Artist: Gabrielle de Jonghe
Storyteller: Tareek Naim @Tareek.n
Artist description: In a few words, I was very inspired by the energy that was here during the global talk as in the room I was in. It was a strong human experience. A gift to hear people sharing with us their stories. I think we have all received a lot from what was told there. And now seeds of life will silently grow in each of us...
What was pointed out, and probably one of the strongest elements, was the will and energy of Life everyone has inside (which made me use a lot of colours as vitality and movement). In some rooms, we talked about ‘inner leaders’, not only in personal achievements but also to realize that we belong to something bigger.
Life is full of emotions, and through each story, difficult, like good experiences raised up to the same conclusion. Probably to reveal that we are all in this adventure, together. Whatever is our “role” we can all make something. And to never give up, because you never know how much you can do.
Also, why would there be so many on Earth if it's not to make good and help each other?
Guests were examples of pure humanity. By sharing their stories they also probably have led other wonderful human beings on their path... Hopefully, they are not the only 7 examples we can find in the world. We all have to make this adventure continue, and shape what is now a dream.
Since this meeting, their voices remain in my head. Some words in particular are floating up in the sky. Like whispers of the wind, their faces, smiles, eyes are still there, there to remind that everything is here, and the heart's connection never stops... Because it's our best strength.
Breakout Room 4: Food Justice & Community Education
Nyrie’s Story
Artist: Raymond Frey @raymondalecfrey
Storyteller: Nyrie Gatett
Artist Description: “Resilience is not an ability one actively decides to acquire. It stems from a place of discomfort. In difficult times, empathy for our community sparks something within ourselves. By caring for each other and nurturing each other we strengthen our sense of community which in turn strengthens our individual resilience. But resilience should be thought of as a communal strength rather than an individualistic one.”
Breakout Room 5: Social Entrepreneurship
Nuba’s Story
Artist: Nicola Cicic @zombiezz
Storyteller: Amal Soliman, NUBA @drink.nuba @bilforon
Artist description: These three people sitting at the round table represent the community because we are all stronger together than we are alone. When we work together, we can build deeper roots and defend ourselves against any kinds of threats. Each of these individuals brings their own resources or talents with them, as shown with the different types of plants on their heads and body. When we share these resources, we can learn from each other. Since plants only grow when they are watered, learning is also important for humans to grow. Growth also represents the open-mindedness that is important to achieve resilience. Creativity was also named as an important factor for achieving resilience. This factor can lead to different solutions that deviate from the norm. Since Amal Soliman talked about Nuba Tisane which is a drink made from Hibiscus flowers, I wanted to include them and show creativity through these flowers.
Breakout Room 6: Inclusive Learning and Labour
Chef Alex
Artist: Ala’a Ali @alaa_aliens @alien.the.designer
Storyteller: Chef Alex Hernández @chefalexanderoficial82
Artist’s description: Chef Alex’s story was very emotional and full of challenges. But, he is an example of how we as humans can help each other. Start from nothing, overcome our challenges and fears to rise. I still have goosebumps every time I recall his story. So.. in my art piece, I wanted to view his humanity and passion for finding a creative solution to the hunger problems in his community through the warm colors that reflect my feeling while listening to his story. And how many people he helped so far by visualizing their voices. His resilience still amazes me.
Stories of Radical Resilience
Do you have a story to tell or a topic to unpack? Submit an article to the SGM Blog! Interested writers, please reach out to maya@socialgastronomy.org