From Words to Art – the creative process of Be My Voice workshops
by Raquel Ferreira & Philippe Ternes
“Be My Voice”: A platform designed to speak on behalf of those who cannot. This initiative allows individuals from various corners of the world to give voice to a wide range of experiences – from violations of free speech and personal traumas kept silent, to global injustices and moments of poetic self-realization. It’s a space for sharing not only firsthand accounts but also stories learned from others, providing an outlet for all that must be expressed.
On 23rd of March, the texts shared found more than just a ‘voice’. In the heart of Luxembourg, within the welcoming confines of the Neimënster Abbey, a workshop unfolded in a spacious room. Outside, the changing seasons mirrored the diversity of those assembled within. The gathering brought together a broad spectrum of participants – from writers and poets to photographers and painters, from seasoned artists to novices, and from the young to the young at heart. Initially, participants selected the letters that resonated with them the most. Following this, each individual shared their selection in a communal circle, leading to the formation of groups based on the shared themes of their chosen texts.
What followed was an inspiring unfolding of masterpieces. The creative process began with discussions within each group, followed by moments of individual reflection. This led to the blending of ideas to the point where their original authors could no longer be distinguished…
In one corner, a group delved into the worries of a young person from Turkey about income inequality and the way an individual’s potential can be, for better or worse, tied to economic opportunities. Early sketches on paper quickly evolved into Photoshop creations, with the selection of images mirroring earlier philosophical discussions about representation. This was soon followed by a conversation focusing on a second piece of text, this time addressing the violence in Gaza.
As the project progressed, those initial black-and-white sketches were not only enhanced with modern digital techniques, but the group also welcomed a new member. This addition brought new skills and knowledge to the table, enriching the collective’s understanding and evolving their perception of the text they initially engaged with.
As one navigated the room, similar creative endeavors were unfolding. At the next table, writers delved into the profound anxieties of a young person concerning AI’s encroachment on human domains – jobs, opportunities… A spirited, almost militant discussion ensued, anchored in scholarly references about how artificial intelligence might replicate various tasks but lacks the capacity to feel. Emotions, they argued, remain our distinct and invaluable asset. The conversation then branched out to explore the nuances of languages and communication, touching upon cultural aspects, before they decided to focus collectively on drafting their own text for ten minutes prior to sharing it. Later, instead of presenting a uniform final product, the table showcased a mosaic of seemingly disjointed papers, featuring Arabic manuscripts and nonlinear notes – a rich testament to the transformative intention behind the event…
At a third table, two young girls concentrated on one corner of a vast sheet of paper, sitting serenely with the same set of colors yet displaying a stark contrast from the beginning. While one applied gentle, round strokes that scattered across the paper like sparse feathers, the other drew bold, unbroken lines. “The blue represents a pacifist soul, the red symbolises blood,” they explained. A couple of hours later, and after an accidental spill of water, those subtle, almost innocent forms were overshadowed by a large black blotch in the center of the sheet. No longer merely sitting painters, they stood as young women channeling the voice of a courageous journalist and the injustices he exposed in Afghanistan.
Progressing further, a father and son duo embarked on their artwork with bold stains that resembled the eye of a beast. In one corner, despite the prominence of a large yellow circle, it was the tiny black dot that captured attention. “This represents the exclusion mentioned in the text,” the young artist remarked. As they added more circles, these began to evolve into various shapes and flowers. Their process was a dance between spontaneity and thoughtful consideration: debating whether to expand the spaces or intensify the colors. This reflection was enriched by moments of mentorship and feedback that passed their way.
The same piece of text inspired another duo, this time employing a blend of painting and collage techniques. Nearby, a father and his son delved into the symbolism of feeling like a fish out of water, while a solitary young woman brought to life a house using natural lines and spontaneous collage elements, reflecting the imperfect spirit of her chosen text. Another panel poignantly depicted the theme of war, with meticulously drawn tanks amid bursts of color, encapsulating both personal and global narratives.
Beyond the explicit content and goals of the workshop, observing the tables and their processes opened up moments of epiphany and irony. While some participants debated the dangers of technology, nearby, others manipulated images using AI. Women flicking ink onto paper remarked on the feminine essence within their male neighbors’ work, while young creators immersed themselves literally in their art, plunging their hands into paint. Thus, within a few hours, those original, often anonymous textual pieces were transformed, gaining new shapes, colors, and interpretations through collective creativity and engagement. Above all, they received focused attention, partnership, and growth.
As the event drew to a close, creators transformed into spectators, and a sense of achievement permeated the atmosphere. Perhaps it was the serene ambiance of the room that made the depth of the messages even more audible, creating a beautiful and potent paradox. Whether in whispers or shouts, the brushes and pencils shattered the silence, offering a meta-layer of expression to those original words…
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