Jul/Aug 2006

 
With the dissolution of boundaries came the convergence of cultures and identities, and nowhere is this more apparent than within the arts. An expression of an individual or collective, each painting, film and performance is a reflection of its maker - people living in a changing world seeking to both identify and express emerging issues and identities.

In order to feel comfortable and confident to express our identity we must first accept that cross pollination of cultures means that individuals are now more unique, having adopted values and practices from the multitude of cultures which have touched us, and take pride in ourselves.

Though Sharq celebrates the work and contributions of people of Arab origin, we accept and appreciate that there is no one way to define Arabness; that habitat and experience make each and every person unique and that uniqueness of our expressions makes us collectively more vibrant and progressive.

Seek not to define yourself by existing standards of expression, but to develop your own, take pride in it and show it off for all to savour.

Reem Maghribi
Editor in Chief, Sharq