THE POWER OF ART IN PEACEBUILDING
An Illustrated Presentation on Art's Transformative Power
Paul G. Chandler
“Art is a means for destroying our way of thinking and behaving.”
Ramsis Younan, renowned Egyptian surrealist painter (1913-66)
In this presentation, Paul G. Chandler focuses on the transformative role of art in peacebuilding, both in principle and in practice, using illustrations of CARAVAN’s experience over the years in using art to build bridges of peace.
During a time of increasing misunderstanding and stereotyping, Chandler shares how the arts can be one of the most effective mediums to build necessary bridges between those of different cultures, faith traditions and worldviews - enhancing understanding, bringing about respect, enabling sharing, as well as developing and deepening friendships.
Chandler illustrates the power of art as a universal language that has the ability to dissolve the differences that divide us. In the midst of widening divides of discord and misapprehension, he reminds us that as long as conflict has torn the human family, art has allowed us to see similarity within difference, offering a mode of reconciliation, and creating lasting change in the quest for peace and harmony. He advocates for a whole new kind of movement which he calls “creative demonstrations of dialogue.”
Perception by eL Seed, in Cairo, Egypt
Artwork: An illustrated presentation, photos of artwork and CARAVAN exhibitions bring to life the transformative power of art.