Omamah Ghassan Al-Sadiq, 22, is an experimental artist and garbage collector from Jeddah who studies at Dar Al Hekmah. Looking for a way to build connections between people through an art project, Al-Sadiq took an interest in tribal rituals and values. She wanted to let them join hands with street art. She decided to spread stenciled images of a camel around the world until she reaches 300.
Al-Sadiq wanted to let everyone experience street art in a very simple way. She created an easy, straightforward image of a camel with stenciling instructions to follow step by step. Through social media, she hoped that many people would enjoy her project and paste stenciled camel in countries around the world
She hoped this would make people realize that Arabs believe in humanity and brotherhood, and wish to continue them. Al-Sadiq wanted the world to understand that Arabs are not just camel riders. To her, the camel is an abstract sign of movement and speed. If it is running fast, it might change the world.
Arab News: How did you come up with this idea came and why?
Omamah Ghassan Al-Sadiq: “My concept is very simple. I invited the public, regardless of who they were, their age or their background, to experiment with street art in a very easy, low profile way. I chose to aim for 300 camels around the world to spread the idea on the streets so people would link this camel to my globally interactive project.”
AN: What difficulties did you encounter?
OS: “The idea of spray painting on the streets as a Saudi woman isn’t socially acceptable. Neither is it safe or legal, but I had to do it. I’m also against destroying anyone’s property. I refused to confirm that stereotype about street art. I think this art form can be used positively to deliver a message.”
AN: When did you develop an interest in camels?
OS: “The design of this camel was the symbol of this project. I want everyone around the world to relate this iconic camel to my project. This camel traveled from Saudi Arabia to the whole world. We always relate street art to the West, so I thought, why not add our own identity to upcoming Saudi street art, since it’s spreading as a culture among the new generation as another way for young people to express themselves.”
AN: Why didn’t you want to use flowers or trees?
OS: “Because a camel represents Arab world the best as in culture and also Omamah, my name, means camel.”
AN: Why do you think garbage can used for creativity?
OS: “I strongly believe in ‘one man’s garbage can be another man treasure.’ It’s about seeing things from different perspective, finding beauty in the ugliest things, recycling what’s left and see it from another angle.”
AN: As an experimental artist, what message would you like to give today’s young generation?
OS: “Never limit yourself and try everything. Keep on expressing yourself by using all the media until you feel satisfied about yourself. Don’t label yourself under a category because then you will never know everything about what you could be. Be self-motivated, and always stay updated. Never stop learning new stuff or meeting new people.”
AN: How would you best describe art?
OS: “It’s a great tool to express your ideas and believes, to document your life or to communicate with others.”
AN: What feedback did you get on your project?
OS: “People are all excited and supportive. They want to be part of this movement, whether they’re artists or not. People are adding their own touch to it, while sticking to the camel at the end for a final result. That’s the idea: to go as wild as you want in representing this camel.”
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