The Power of Arts
Gail Prensky, creator, executive producer and director of The Jüdische Kulturbund Project, dedicated to exploring issues of oppression and response through music and art, a one-on-one interview with a South Sudan artist, Akot Deng Agoth.
South Sudan, which gained independence from Sudan in 2011, has been torn apart by ethnic conflicts and civil wars for many years since. Very recently, on 22 February 2020, a national unity government was formed, opening the door to a peaceful resolution of the conflicts and hopefully to the end of the violence.
GP: You live in South Sudan, the youngest nation in the world. What would you like to tell people who know little or nothing about South Sudan, specifically about its art and culture?
ADA: Well apart from that our people are tall and they have a good figure… and I think our ladies are really good as fashion models… South Sudan has a very unique culture and diversity of its people: sixty-four tribes with different cultures, dress and marks.
GP: How do you think you and your artwork affects other people?
ADA: It is good to see your impact in your own community, in a positive way. Yes, I am doing my part, hoping that I can create something good for my country and what we are after: peace and unity.
GP: What inspires or motivates you in creating art?
ADA: Sometimes [I get inspiration] from my surrounding environment. Also, my imagination, that I translate to a visual work that can be seen by others.
GP: What is your favorite art medium or media and why?
ADA: I love oil paint because it can last for a long time, like in the famous paintings of the past. I really enjoy oil paint, but currently I am dealing mostly with acrylic paints because they are more available than the oil paints.
GP: And what about your artwork that depicts peace and unity for South Sudan?
ADA: Well, my work concentrates on things that can help to bring us to together as one–to the peace that is most wanted right now in South Sudan.
GP: During the pandemic, there have been efforts to paint murals around the country.
Who are the artists painting them and how would you describe their impact?
ADA: Well, I am happy to be one of this group. Actually, the artists are from the umbrella of Visual Art Association in South Sudan (VAA). Works are made by many artist including #Anataban and others initiatives like the Fight Against Coronavirus initiative. The aim is to give the right information to the public and it is really, really helping.
GP: You are a member of ANATABAN. Can you tell me about them and their artwork?
ADA: ANATABAN is a youth initiative [comprised of artists, musicians, and activists]. Their main aim is to promote and initiate peace among the youth themselves, by creating a peaceful environment for all.
GP: Are you planning an exhibition of your work that has a particular theme?
ADA: Yes, I am now planning to have works done on the theme: Life Should Go On …
GP: Anything else you would like people to know or you would like to share?
ADA: Just that I have really learned a lot in this pandemic. That we are united to overcome anything that comes our way.
GP: You are involved with The Jüdische Kulturbund Project that explores issues of oppression and response through music and art. How does your art express your feelings and concerns about issues of oppression?
ADA: Art and music responses are amazing all across the world. I have been involved in creating beautiful murals and experienced amazing performances by the musicians. I think artists have created very powerful ways of awareness, especially here in South Sudan where the majority of people can’t read and write.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Born in 1992 in Alobjed, Sudan, Akot Deng Agoth graduated from the college of the Arts, Music and Drama, Department of Fine Arts at the University of Juba in 2017. He is a member of ANATABAN and the Hope Society in South Sudan. Akot’s talent was identified at an early age when he began drawing people and animals. He fulfilled his dream of becoming a professional artist through his studies in fine arts. His work, characterized by realistic, semi-realistic, abstract and mixed-media imagery has been included in numerous local, regional and international exhibitions.
This article was first published on the EAS website. Read the original version here
Recent Comments