Background to my series "1001 nights"
We held an inter-cultural discussion, initially so friendly and promising. We discussed family, his love of poetry, cultures, and - unfortunately - politics, obviously influenced by events. I tried to understand his specific points, and we actually agreed with most of them. But the dialogue degenerated. And when "The West" in general, no exception, all of us, were accused and actually threatened, I stopped. I felt disappointed.
As I regained a positive spirit, I began to paint - and regained happiness: the series "1001 nights" appeared in front of me. Not that caliph Harun-al-Rashid was an example of romantic virtue (nor were Indian moguls or Renaissance popes). But, despite the cruelty, and with the distance of time, Tales of 1001 Nights, like perhaps the Indian epic Mahabarata, has a romantic, dream-inducing flavor, that helps idealize the sentimental setting of their respective cultures.
I sent my estranged friend the "artist prints" of a limited series. We have since made our saalam. The language of art had transcended our differences, had helped us focus on what unites us. And from that place, we began to understand each other.
This is how I would like to see the world: A kaleidoscope of cultures and of differing expressions including those in search for the meta-physical, tolerant and respectful of each other's customs, ways of life and beliefs. And when we seem not to be able to bridge out differences, that we have the wisdom to find the human values that unite us, rather than intolerance and selfishness that separate us.
After I had shared my experience with a cherished artist friend, he sent me this wonderful email: "Hi Karl - beautiful work! I like it that you've found a way to express the noble side of Islam … you connected on a deeper plane – which is healing not only for you but all of us, both Moslem and non-Moslem - but this is what real art is about - I know you're a real artist in spite of thinking yourself 'only an amateur'." - Ciao – TK, New York, USA
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