“I create for a peaceful change.”
Why fashion designer Shukri Lawrence wants to increase awareness about the Middle East
#YCREATE is a digital movement powered by the Prince Claus Fund aimed at discovering the value of culture for young people across the world and celebrating young creators everywhere. We ask the next generation to share their creative talents and their views on arts and culture.
To start, we’re sharing stories from our worldwide network of creatives working in culture. Some are starting out and others have been at it all their lives. They all have amazing stories. Today: Shukri Lawrence.
Shukri Lawrence only just turned 20 years old, but he has a clear idea of what he wants to do. He is using internet and social media to give a voice to Middle Eastern artists and create a community. He started tRASHY CLOTHING, a fashion brand bootlegging big name brands and mixing their logos with Arabic lettering. 15% of the proceeds go to Syrian and Palestinian refugee camps.
What drives you to create the things you do?
I create for a peaceful change. When people abroad are fascinated by what Middle Eastern artists are capable to do, it pushes my friends and me to create more and more. Awareness is what I try to base my work on; by showcasing the side of the Middle East the world doesn’t know about yet and the media ignores.
Do you think creators have a responsibility to address social or political issues?
I think even if we try to stay away from it, politics will always be apparent everywhere. I think creators currently are expected to address both social and political issues, because it has somehow become a ‘trend’ in pop culture.
What inspires you in your work?
The Middle East and its people. Giving a voice to the misrepresented communities of the Middle East has been the biggest inspiration in my work. I’ve never seen myself as an Arab represented in Western pop culture growing up, so I’m currently trying to have my generation feel represented with the collaborations we work on together. There’s a lot of unnoticed beauty in the people and the places of the Middle East.
Giving a voice to the misrepresented communities of the Middle East has been the biggest inspiration in my work.
What’s it like to be an artist in your country?
It is super motivating to work on art in both Palestine and Jordan because of the different people I get to meet and work with every day. There’s a strong community of artists in the Middle East that are super supportive and connected with each other. We all support our fellow artists because we are all in this together trying to make a change.
What are the obstacles to creation for you and how do you deal with them?
Racism and stereotypes have both been big obstacles for me. I try to fight them with appreciation of my culture and people and highlighting the side of the Middle East people don’t really know about.
What is your dream? The goal you set out to achieve?
We need stronger Middle Eastern voices. I want to build a Middle Eastern art industry recognised worldwide. There’s many super talented fashion designers, musicians, and artists that aren’t being heard.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
You’re going on the right path. Do not second guess yourself and you will be heard soon.
I want to build a worldwide recognised Middle Eastern art industry.
— Shukri Lawrence
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#YCREATE
#YCreate: A platform for connection and creativity in an era of stark division
Art is at the heart of what makes us human. That’s why, in an era of building walls and blaming ‘the other’, it’s essential that cultural expression is free and valued. Every story counts, but not every story gets the attention it deserves. The Prince Claus Fund aims for change by launching #YCreate — a platform to connect the next generation with the extraordinary stories and diverse perspectives of creative people from all over the world.
Drawing from the Prince Claus Fund’s network, #YCreate explores the human palette of dreams, fears, and motivations with one key question: ‘Why do you create?’ Read the stories and dive into their work by visiting @ycreate_pcf on Instagram.
