Bearsarc
BearsArc is an instagram account I created in July 2018. Aiming to present a subgroup in the LGBTQA+ community that feels underrepresented to me, being Middle eastern and plus size queer men in general, in other words, I wanted to see myself presented! In addition, it was a motive to exercise and improve my drawing skills and techniques!
The experience:
Soon after, the account became a therapeutic platform for me as I got to express myself, break my own taboos and unlearn years of shame growing up as a gay man in the Middle East. Adding to that, I was able to connect to many of the LGBTQA+ community around the world who related to my art.
Outcome:
One of my proudest moments on BearsArc was the “Let me tell your story” initiative during Pride month of June, 2020. The goal was to spread some positive vibes during a very strange year, and give the LGBTQA+ community and allies a safe space to share stories of their coming out and self acceptance experiences. In one month, I shared 14 stories (including my own) and created accompanying 14 digital art pieces!
Recently, and for the first time in my life! I hosted a small art show in one of Malmö’s local cafes. The show included a collection of the digital art created for Bearsarc and a new acrylic collection.
