XP Music Futures 2024 (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) - Proposal
XP Music Futures is an annual music conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This year, I was invited to propose an art installation for the event and chose the theme of 'Wellness.' Over the past year, I’ve faced the deep personal grief of losing two dear friends, along with the collective grief we all share over the ongoing genocide in Palestine. Through this installation, I wanted to create a safe space - an immersive experience that blends sound, light, and nature, guided by Zen principles of peace, simplicity, and mindfulness. This installation is meant to offer a space for reflection and healing, inspired by Radiohead's song "Nude," which I found myself listening to on repeat during this time.
Sound is the foundation of this installation, serving as the key to unlocking the entire experience. In collaboration with a local choir and composer, we focus on the healing power of the human voice. This installation is more than just an art piece. It’s a space for introspection and catharsis. It encourages visitors to slow down and confront the often unspoken emotions that come with the creative journey and life itself. By connecting with their dreams, desires, and disappointments, visitors are invited to find peace through the recognition and release of these emotions.
As a creative, I deeply understand the pressures and challenges that come with our chosen artistic path. The constant self-doubt, the internal struggles and the relentless self-criticism. We often find ourselves striving for unattainable perfection, pushed by cultural expectations that demand constant productivity and innovation. This relentless pursuit can be exhausting, leaving us feeling drained and disconnected. There is a significant stigma around mental health in the art world; we are expected to always be ‘on,’ vibrant and full of life. Additionally, in the Middle East, longstanding stigmas around mental health have significantly hindered access to support. This proposal is inspired by these realities and seeks to address them.
Promoting Mental Health Awareness
My proposal includes using XP as a platform to raise awareness about mental health in the creative field by openly discussing this topic on stage with my collaborator. I'll share my personal journey through grief and how the installation connects to this theme. We will emphasize the healing power of the human voice, showing how it can provide comfort and connection. It's important to address the mental health challenges that artists face, especially here in the Gulf region, and to build a supportive community where these issues can be talked about and understood. By sharing our experiences and insights, we can help break the stigma and encourage others to seek the support they need.