An interview taken from our new digital issue. In the realm of contemporary art, voices that traverse the intersectional complexities of identity, heritage, and self-expression are vital for fostering a deeper cultural understanding and promoting diversity. Tariq Alsaadi, a trailblazing illustrator whose work vividly encapsulates the nuances of his Syrian roots and queer identity, is one such voice that commands attention. In this intimate interview for our digital issue, Alsaadi walks us through the rich tapestry of his experiences – from the war-torn memories embedded in his homeland’s history to the liberating yet challenging realities of his immigration to Germany.
As an artist whose narrative ingeniously delves into sensitive topics such as identity politics, gender roles, and beauty ideals, Tariq’s artwork serves as a compelling commentary on contemporary issues faced by minorities and the LGBTQ+ community. With bold colours and evocative imagery, he not only reflects on his personal story but also connects with universal human experiences, prompting us to examine our perceptions.
Discover how Tariq Alsaadi’s potent fusion of Syrian culture, queer identity, and unapologetic artistic expression creates bridges between diverging worlds, offering insights that transcend boundaries and resonate with a global audience. Join us in exploring the depths of his creative vision and his aspirations for the future of queer art.
Tariq, how do your Syrian heritage and the experiences you’ve had there influence your artwork?
Being from Syria (and, in general, from the Levant region) is very important to me, and it influences my artwork in both direct and indirect ways, especially due to its rich culture and long history, spanning over 7000 years or even more. Continuous conflicts, wars, occupations, etc., since the beginning of the first human settlements, along with their diversity, lost identity, and contradictions, have significantly shaped my perspective. In this context, creating art serves as both an escape from reality and a means of expressing and exploring reality, as well as searching for identity.
I believe that many Syrians, including myself, grapple with identity issues. Our diversity and various political factors often create divisions and erode our sense of belonging to a specific Syrian identity, yet we are united as one people through shared experiences of enduring horrific situations together. Many Syrians employ dark humour as a coping mechanism, stemming from these factors, which serves as a form of expression and escapism simultaneously. I find that the humour present in my artworks is deeply rooted in Syrian culture.
Moreover, I am greatly influenced by the stories of ancient Syrian gods and goddesses, as well as the broader region. These stories are incredibly intriguing and serve as a reminder that humanity, regardless of location, has not changed significantly since the dawn of civilization, with the inception of religions, kingdoms, and empires.
As a queer Arab artist, how do you navigate the intersection of your identity and your creative expression in your art?
I express my identity as an Arab queer artist in nearly every art piece through the characters themselves and various elements reflecting oriental and Arabic influences.
Can you describe a piece of art you’ve created that you feel particularly represents your experience as an immigrant in Germany?
Living in Germany and being away from home for a long time has led me to reflect deeply on the details and stories from my childhood and teenage years, which I might not have considered otherwise. Particularly in the last two years, the theme of nostalgia has become more prominent in my artworks.
For instance, in a piece titled “My Birth,” I illustrate a story that my mother shared with me about what happened before she brought me into the world. As a modern, working woman, she initially contemplated having a third child but was considering abortion. However, she had a significant dream. In this dream, she saw a white, sparkling horse enter our home and look around.
Read the full interview here:
Interview by Marcel Schlutt
Follow Tariq via @tariq_saadi and @tariq_illustration
