We were lucky to catch up with Khalid Kodi recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Khalid, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects for me as an artist, activist, and university professor is the development and execution of Participatory Art Projects in various locations in Africa, such as the Nuba Mountains (Flags and Panners as Voices series). These projects are born from my deep passion for using art as a catalyst for social change and community empowerment. They particularly resonate with me because they address communities in transition, where access to formal art institutions like museums and galleries is severely limited.

The backstory of these projects originates from the dire circumstances faced by these communities, including ongoing conflict, displacement, and marginalization. In response to these challenges, it became my mission to utilize my creative education training and expertise to bring art directly to those who need it the most – vulnerable and marginalized communities.

Working closely with community members, we embarked on a journey to curate artworks that transcend mere aesthetic pleasure. Instead, we aimed to create pieces with a deeper purpose – ones that convey messages of hope, resilience, and empowerment. Through collaborative art-making processes, individuals were encouraged to share their stories, express their emotions, and envision a better future for themselves and their community.

These projects hold significant meaning for me on multiple levels. Firstly, they allowed me to witness the transformative power of art in healing and rebuilding communities. Observing individuals find solace and strength through creative expression was profoundly inspiring.

Secondly, the projects reinforced my belief in the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in the arts. By bringing art directly to the community and involving them in the creative process, we broke down barriers and made artistic expression accessible to all.

Lastly, the projects served as a reminder of the resilience and collaborative spirit that exists within even the most challenging circumstances. Despite facing immense adversity, communities came together to create something beautiful and meaningful, demonstrating the profound impact that art can have on individuals and societies in transition.

Overall, these participatory art projects embody the intersection of my creative education training, my dedication to social justice, and my belief in the transformative power of art. They give voice to communities in transition and serve as a testament to the potential of art to catalyze positive change and empower individuals to overcome difficulties with creativity and resilience.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is deeply rooted in a mission to harness the transformative power of art to uplift souls and inspire positive change. Art is a universal language that transcends literacy, privilege, and circumstance barriers. It has the remarkable ability to reach individuals at their core, touching their souls and providing solace even in the darkest of times.

One of the primary goals driving my creative endeavors is to harness this inherent power of art to uplift people’s spirits and instill a sense of hope and resilience. I believe that art has the potential to be a beacon of light in the midst of darkness, offering comfort and inspiration to those facing adversity.

Moreover, I am deeply committed to creating art that is not only visually captivating but also meaningful and purposeful. Good art, in my view, goes beyond mere aesthetics; it has a profound impact on the viewer, stirring emotions, provoking thought, and fostering connections.

Through my work, I aim to create art that speaks to the human experience, addressing universal themes of struggle, resilience, and triumph. Whether through paintings, sculptures, installations, or participatory projects, my goal is to create compositions that resonate with individuals on a deeply personal level, affirming their dignity and worth.

Central to my mission is the belief that art has the power to facilitate communication, cooperation, and understanding. By engaging with visual elements, shapes, and colors, individuals are invited to participate in a shared experience of creation and expression. This collaborative process not only fosters a sense of community but also empowers individuals to discover their own voice and agency.

Ultimately, my creative journey is driven by a desire to create art that transcends boundaries and enriches lives. Whether it’s through teaching and learning, sharing stories, or simply offering a moment of beauty and inspiration, I am committed to using my artistic practice as a tool for positive transformation and upliftment.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative, for me, lies in the profound connections forged through the sharing of art and ideas. As I reach out to people and share my creations, I am constantly enriched by the feedback, insights, and experiences they offer in return. Each interaction becomes an opportunity for mutual learning, growth, and enrichment.

One of the greatest joys is witnessing the impact of my artwork on individuals’ lives. Whether through comments, personal responses, or observations of its effectiveness, seeing how my art resonates with others and elicits emotional or intellectual responses is incredibly rewarding. It reaffirms the power of art to evoke thought, stir emotions, and spark conversations, serving as a catalyst for meaningful engagement and dialogue.

Moreover, the process of creating art itself is immensely fulfilling. Each stroke of the brush, sculptural form, or conceptual exploration is an opportunity for self-expression and discovery. Through art, I am able to explore and articulate my own thoughts, emotions, and perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me.

Furthermore, the collaborative nature of art allows for rich and diverse interactions with fellow creators and audiences. Whether collaborating with other artists, engaging with communities, or participating in exhibitions and events, these interactions serve as sources of inspiration, challenge, and growth.

In essence, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the opportunity to connect with others on a profound level, to learn from their perspectives, and to contribute to the collective tapestry of human experience through the transformative power of art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://camd.northeastern.edu/people/khalid-ibrahim-kodi/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khalid_kodi/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/khalid.kodi/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalid-kodi-51828244/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Khalid_Kodi
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@khalidkodi7850/featured

Image Credits

Photos by Khalid Kodi and amir Tuto.