By Mirriam Akbar
I’ve always believed that the definition of ‘Art’ is endless. When put in perspective, everything falls under the category of Art. Every year a new form of Art is developed, whether it’s through artists themselves or the change brought through technology. Digital Art, for instance, could never have been fully comprehended if it was explained to someone who has not been exposed to it… but over the years this art form has not only blossomed, but changed the face of many industries.
The amazing thing about Art is that often it just happens – an idea comes to mind, then quickly inspires another thought that emerges out of the most random of experiences; in places that you never thought would lead to something big.
That’s exactly what happened to a pair of locally based podcasters who simply go by the name of Fatma Al Muhairi (Fatma) and Tarek Monzer (Tim)…
Fatma and Tim are animation students at the Cartoon Network Animation Academy in Abu Dhabi. They launched their own podcast in Sound Cloud through the “Behind the Frames” series where they share their thoughts and frustrations about being animators and artists.
They received a lot of feedback after the first podcast, and people wanted to hear more of what they had to say so they began discussing broader topics, such as the jobs available within the creative industry and the opportunities and challenges that existed. Listeners around the UAE tuned in to listen to these discussions and eventually people outside of the UAE started taking notice as well.
Very soon people began to suggest more topics, and even sent in questions they wanted Fatma and Tim to answer.
What simply began with jokes and rants turned into something big and helpful. It’s normal to feel alone as an artist, but the “Behind The Frames” began to address this vacuum, as it tackled real topics such as isolation and frustration that many artists feel.
Fatma and Tim brought artists together, and showed them that they were “not alone”, that they art part of a growing community of artists who had common issues; that they could share their ideas and voice their concerns.
We all know that art is changing as we speak, with new ideas and concepts. As we learn to appreciate the authenticity of art there are many who are trying to find ways of making a living off of it. That’s why people like Fatma and Tim sharing their insight and their love for art is so important. Even though a podcast may seem small, these two have managed to reach out to an entire audience of people in ways other media outlets cannot, proving once again that the definition of art is endless.
Podcast:
https://soundcloud.com/behind_the_frames
Fatma:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fatmaalmuhairi
Tim:
