Bearsarc
BearsArc is an Instagram account I created in July 2018 to present a subgroup of the LGBTQA+ community that, to me, feels underrepresented: Middle eastern, and plus size queer men. In other words, I wanted to see myself presented. Also, it was a way 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. I was also able to connect to many of the LGBTQA+ communities 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 14 accompanying 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 digital art created for Bearsarc, and a new acrylic collection.