Arabology Online: Interview with Jordanian Artist Tamer Al Ahmar (May 2020)

Watch video at https://youtu.be/AdRdwnio0UQ

Stanford Lecturer + Arabology radio host Dr. Ramzi Salti interviews Jordanian artist Tamer Al Ahmar who joined us by Zoom, live from Amman (Jordan), on May 11, 2020.

Watch the video below or at this link: https://youtu.be/AdRdwnio0UQ

In this interview, Tamer opens up about his artistic journey, his iconic pieces that pay homage to such Arab singers as Fairuz, Um Kulthum, and Sabah; his solo exhibit in Amman, Jordan (2019); his artistic venture with Jordanian singer Haifa Kama; his recent experience at the Arab Conference at Harvard-(where he helped raise funds for refugees); and his gorgeous new postcard set/series which, in collaboration with Souq Al Hanaa, benefits needy families in Lebanon.

For more about Tamer Al Ahmar: 

1. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tameralahma... 

2. Facebook: https://facebook.com/tameralahmarart 

3. To purchase Tamer's work: https://society6.com/tameralahmarart 

4. Contact the artist directly at tamer.alahmar@gmail.com 

To purchase Tamer's Eid/Holiday Postcard Set (where all proceeds go to support a family in need in Lebanon), check out Souq Al Hanaa at links below: 

1. Buy through Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/listing/80636313... 

2. Check out Souq Al Hanna on Instagram: https://instagram.com/souq.alhanaa 

To read Dr. Ramzi Salti's previously published articles about Tamer Al Ahmar, including past radio interviews, see below: 

1. "Jordanian Artist Tamer Al Ahmar Revives Cultural Icons in Unique Ways" available at https://www.arabology.org/2017/05/tam... 

2. "Tamer Al Ahmar's Art Exhibition in Jordan a Huge Success" available at https://www.arabology.org/2019/12/tam... 

To listen to Dr. Ramzi's Salti's previous radio interviews with Tamer Al Ahmar: 

1. "Interview with Tamer Al Ahmar aka the Arab Andy Warhol" available at https://soundcloud.com/arabology/tame... 

2. Radio Promo for Tamer Al Ahmar's Exhibition in Jordan (December 7-31, 2019): https://soundcloud.com/arabology/tame...

Artist Talk at Stanford: Jordanian American Artist Ridikkuluz Interviewed by Dr. Ramzi Salti

Video at https://youtu.be/WA5wTeaEaAs

Jordanian American artist Ridikkuluz recently wowed Stanford University by giving an impressive  audio visual talk (by Zoom) in which he focused on his Arabic iconography pieces--ranging from Fairuz and Umm Kulthum to the King and Queen of Jordan. The talk, which took place on April 27, 2020, was by special invitation from Stanford Lecturer Dr. Ramzi Salti and attracted a diverse, global audience including Stanford students, faculty, and artists in/from the Arab world who rallied together in support of the young artist whose groundbreaking work served as a way to connect communities by broaching issues related to Arab identity, Arab American art, gender, marginalization and postcoloniality.

The talk--which included a stunning PowerPoint presentation by the artist--was followed by a lively Q&A in English and/or Arabic.  Please note that the (edited) video from the talk below now includes English subtitles where needed and that NO STUDENTS APPEAR IN THIS VERSION.

For more on Ridikkuluz, see his website at ridikkuluz.com and/or follow him on Instagram and Facebook.

Watch the edited version of the talk below or at https://youtu.be/WA5wTeaEaAs

Although Ridikkuluz has amassed a diverse body of work through the years, this talked specifically focused on his "Arabic Iconography" oeuvre including his series on cultural icons and Western (mis)representations of the Other.  

Ridikkuluz with his piece titled "Stop Staring" ©Ridikkuluz

The King and Queen of Jordan ©Ridikkuluz

Ridikkuluz poses with his renowned piece featuring Arabic cultural icons
©Ridikkuluz 

ABOUT THE ARTIST (see https://ridikkuluz.com)

RIDIKKULUZ (ᴘʀᴏɴᴜɴᴄɪᴀᴛɪᴏɴ : “ridiculous”/ʀɨˈᴅɪᴋəʟəᴢ/ ʀɪ-ᴅɪᴋ-ə-ʟəᴢ) b. 1994 is a New York-based, Jordanian fine artist working in painting, sculpture and video. His work encompasses identity, duality and intense emotion all while bridging the gap between Western and Arab culture. Using a surrealistic context infused with an urban influence, his provocative portraiture projects the vulnerability of the artist’s insecurities. Through his artistry, he inverts the systemic equation of counterfeit-confidence and privilege amounting to success with transparent diligence and the beauty of weakness. RIDIKKULUZ attempts to build a space of simplicity where the complex cultural symbolism of his objects and figures can have the same weight of paintings that appeals to the upper echelon of society.The Rowaq al Balqa foundation in Jordan gave him an artistic premise early on; he furthered his studies abroad in France, Spain and Italy. RIDIKKULUZ’s work has since been featured in the music videos of Lupe Fiasco and Kiing Sky. In 2018, He was interviewed by Amman Radio for his depiction of the Royal King and Queen in Jordan. Press features include The Journal News, Aziz Art Magazine, the Daily 49er, Hors Centre: French Embassy & Queens College Newsletter and most recently in Arts Westchester Magazine. RIDIKKULUZ has exhibited in Westchester, New York City and Jordan.

ARTISTS WHO ATTENDED RIDIKKULUZ'S STANFORD TALK

Watch video at https://youtu.be/WA5wTeaEaAs

This Stanford talk by Ridikkuluz attracted a diverse global audience, ranging from such distinguished Stanford faculty members as Thouraya Boumehdi to such Arab artists as Sadouf, digital artist Tamer Al Ahmar (see Tamer Al Ahmar Art), Fares Rizk, and even a shoutout by Jordanian icon Rania Kurdi of The Rania Show).

FOR MORE ON RIDIKKULUZ:

• Website at ridikkuluz.com 
• Follow on Instagram 
• Follow on Facebook.