Belonging, Dignity, Justice

When considering the idea of belonging, my mind fell on one of my own personal fascination - bees. Honeybees have seen a huge resurgence in interest and numbers, especially within the urban biome. However, when considering my own belonging, I feel far more akin to the humble bumblebee.

Often viewed and seen as a solitary being, they do indeed live in nest colonies with others in their kin, be it in vastly smaller hives than their honeybee counterparts. And also unlike honeybees, they produce very little honey, all of which is kept for their own nest.

But their impact and role within the ecosystem is not to be underestimated. Prolific pollinators of many of the plant species that fuel our food chain, we as a species rely hugely on their activity. 

As humans, we often underestimate the importance and gravity our roles play on everyday life. We look at ourselves as individuals who’s impact on the world is minimal. We may find the idea of belonging difficult as a result of this. We may struggle as feelings of imposter syndrome, unimportance and isolation creep in and we are left to feel that we are but an insignificant being in a big world.

But maybe we should look towards the bumblebee to inspire us. Going about our everyday life, “pollinating” the world with our own special uniqueness. Each day we all have a part to play within the human race to make each day better. That role could be as simple as a smile that brightens up someone’s day. It is still as important as the bumblebee that visits a few flowers each day that goes on to produce the fruit to feed a person.

When you feel you don’t belong, just remember the humble bumble.

we all belong here 

I started this drawing several years ago and it was originally comprised of a single skyline only. After re-discovering the partly finished sketch recently, I was inspired to complete the piece through the lens of the theme 'belonging'. Nearing the end of my medical school career, I have had such a privilege to meet and become friends with people from all over the world, and the famous landmarks I chose to include in the concoction of skylines represent those who have had an impact on my life and the fact that my life would be entirely different if I hadn't had the chance to meet them. Upon finishing this piece, I feel it also has an additional meaning to me now. It encompasses the values that Barts prides - we are so warmly welcoming to all those lucky enough to be a part of this community, from the first day of university to the last. For me personally, I believe and hope to always feel like I belong to the Barts community. 

The goal of this project was to generate a short film using various Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools with minimal human intervention, focusing on the role of AI in healthcare. While it doesn’t directly address the themes of Belonging, Dignity, and Justice, it’s important to note that these experiences are unique and constantly evolving for everyone. A big question is how will AI alter our perceptions of belonging, dignity, and justice, and how these concepts will be applicable to AI. 

In an attempt to answer this question in the context of healthcare, we examine three primary applications of AI in medicine: enhancing the capabilities of healthcare professionals, assisting treatment and disease combat, and improving patient experience. The potential of AI to improve our experiences as patients can positively impact all three aspects. We already have AI voice assistants readily available in our pockets. Imagine if we utilise this technology to overcome communication barriers in healthcare, use it as an information hub to address patient queries or concerns, or even as a personal healthcare professional providing personalized care such as monitoring our biometric data and offering constructive feedback to help us reach our full potential. 

However, there’s many ethical challenges, risks, and uncertainties regarding the role of AI in upholding dignity and justice. Some of these issues are highlighted in the video. 

AI is a powerful tool which can be used for good or evil. We need to find the middle ground between regulation and openness, ensuring that AI is both accessible and transparent, but also accountable and ethical. 

The sense of belonging between siblings will remain throughout a lifetime. People come and go but their bond is never broken. Differences of opinion or different continents may occur,  however what endures is the common childhood experience. 

Life's challenges are overcome and opportunities open up when they have each other by their side -the comfort of each other opens up a world of possibility. 

A simple holding of hands, uniting of souls, a sense of belonging. 

The connection to the sea, it’s mystery and magnificence, has always had a calming affect on myself and my children. When we breathe the sea air, we are home. The sound of the waves, their irregularity and yet rhythmic nature. We are in awe and yet we feel a part of it too. 

My dream is for them to always be able to turn to the sea and feel inspired, to feel a sense of belonging that will give them the strength to overcome life’s challenges. To breathe the sea air and feel the calmness and the magnitude of something greater. To listen to the waves and realise that life goes on and the next wave comes, whether it be big or small. 

This piece is dedicated to the Palestinian people currently at war in Gaza. The recent attacks of violence on innocent civilians have been extremely disturbing to witness. This is especially relevant as over 200 healthcare workers have died over the span of a month (as reported by Ministry of Health in Gaza on Nov 17). These were people who like all of us had dreams and hopes for their future ahead of them. Working or studying in healthcare, we all belong under the umbrella of humanity and compassion. Seeing such injustice happening to fellow doctors, nurses and medical students is absolutely painstaking. 

I thought I would share this experience with you as I believe people are often not aware enough of their surroundings. 

Particularly in busy areas it is important to look out for small creatures such as ladybirds. Ladybirds often perform a useful function in the environment as they eat more troublesome insects such as aphids that can cause damage to food crops. 

The world is beautiful and there are many interesting things to see! 

We all hope to be accepted by others despite our differences and peculiarities… but we are all wary because of our differences and peculiarities… and sometimes I feel like this frog, unsure of whether to trust and go into the outside world or stay in a safe familiar place.

The Gee’s Bend Quilters, a group of African American women from Gee’s Bend, Alabama, embody the themes of belonging, dignity, and justice through their artistry in quilting. Their work, transcending mere functional craft, narrates a story of resilience, community, and identity.

The Gee's Bend community in a remote loop of the Alabama River, was formed by freed slaves who settled there after the Civil War, many of whom were former slaves of the Pettway plantation that previously occupied the land. This geographical isolation, combined with their shared history, fostered a unique and close-knit community. The descendants of these freed slaves continue to live in Gee’s Bend developing a distinctive culture and renowned quilting tradition rooted in their African American heritage and experiences.

Their quilts carry personal histories and solidify a sense of belonging to a place and its people. Each stitch is a testament to the quilters' connection to their ancestry, land, and each other.

Dignity shines through their art. Despite facing socioeconomic hardships and racial segregation, the Gee’s Bend Quilters turned their limitations into creative freedom. Their quilts are not confined by traditional patterns; instead, they exhibit bold colours, asymmetric patterns, and improvisational styles. This ingenuity grants dignity to their narratives, transforming their quilts into vibrant expressions of self-worth and pride.

Justice is embodied in the recognition and preservation of their art. Once overlooked, these quilts are now celebrated in museums and galleries, honouring the quilters' artistic contributions and cultural heritage. This acknowledgment starts to rectify historical neglect and injustice, and champions the broader quest for racial and artistic justice.

The Gee’s Bend Quilters, through their unique and powerful quilts, vividly encapsulate the essence of belonging, dignity, and the path towards justice. Their legacy is a poignant reminder of the profound impact art can have in echoing personal and communal truths.

My own quilt represents my respect for the Gee’s Bend Quilters, and a shared bond across different cultures and histories. As an older white woman who quilts with her daughters, I felt a connection to the Gee’s Bend Quilters, whose art has become a meaningful part of my own quilting journey. 

I hope this quilt contributes to correcting the narrative by ensuring that the contributions of African American artists are seen and valued. It represents my deep respect for the African American community, and the joy their art has given me.

Lastly, this quilt is not just a tribute to the Gee’s Bend Quilters’ artistry, but also a personal expression of my hopes for inclusivity, diversity, and justice. 

If you happen to find yourself in an unhappy place, it doesn't mean that you belong there. 

‘Winnicott has termed this space ‘the third space’, within which the contours of self and the other might be perceived, where mutual assertion and recognition might lead to the emergence of meaning and fresh perspectives’.

The ‘third space’, is a space which allows independent people to share the meaning of their existence, whilst acknowledging their own individuality. The colours red and blue, so different from each other, like a doctor and their patient; can join to form purple. A depiction of the beauty can be created from this shared understanding, this ‘third space’. The two people sitting in this consultation room, so independent of one another, allow themselves to feel mutual assertion, which enables both parties to understand each other more inherently, causing better outcomes for them both. 

Facelessness: lacking a face, lacking individuality, lacking character. 

But here, it represents universality, the ability for us, as viewers, to place ourselves as either one of these characters. It is unclear who is the doctor and who is the patient in this scenario. This enables us to place ourselves as either one, or both at the same time as both the teacher and the learner. The lack of faces also allows the normal power dynamic of the doctor and the patient to be removed, giving the viewer a sense of calm, whilst presenting the space as a shared one or mutual assertion. 

How can a patient recover, if the doctor does to share understanding of their experiences and pain? How can a doctor heal, if the people do not recognise the unique independence and perspective of the doctor? 

The simplicity of the colours used gives it a sense of childishness, alongside the use of cartoon characters. This sense of naivety mirrors my own understanding of this ‘third space’, which was difficult for me to personally understand and explain to others. The use of a cartoon drawing - a visual representation of the concept - made it a lot easier for me to conceptualise and therefore aim to implement in my future training as a healthcare professional. 

For the earlier years of my medical degree, I often felt like an adult in a child’s body, expected to mature at an exponential rate. Recently, however I have begun to feel more like a small child in an adult’s body. 

Transitioning from the comfort of familiar labs and lecture halls, to the discomfort of unfamiliar corridors, and vast wards, has forced me to recognise my childlike naivety in these new settings. 

A transition can, nevertheless be interpreted as a growth, and I do feel I am growing. I am learning. I am adapting. Like a child.

In this artwork, the fusion of technology, fashion, and social media becomes a canvas for exploring themes of belonging, dignity, and justice. The anonymous, enigmatic models with snatched waists serve as vessels for viewers to project their own identities, fostering a sense of belonging. The futurism aesthetic, intertwined with AI designs, reflects the beauty and peril of technological advancement, creating a dialogue about the intersection of virtualization and reality—a space where the quest for dignity and justice takes on new dimensions.

Socials: @nodisfound @nodblockedyou + bujadonald@gmail.com 

Inspired by inequality and poverty that exists everywhere in London, this sketch depicts homeless people living in and around the city’s transport network. 

Several weary-looking figures sit along the walls of an underground station walkway, appealing to passers-by for help. 

The scene is gloomy and dark, with the figures barely visible in the shadows. For most, this is a very scary and lonely existence, with absolutely no sense of dignity or belonging. Their sense of identity is lost, and their faces show no joy. They return every day, hoping to collect enough loose change to pay for a hot meal or even a room for the night.

Every year, ‘Crisis at Christmas’ opens its doors to thousands of people experiencing homelessness. To find out more, go to: https://www.crisis.org.uk/crisis-at-christmas/

Where do I belong?  

I belong where I am.   

I belong with my family. 

I belong with my friends. 

I belong with my colleagues. 

I belong with my paints and canvases. 

I belong with my roses in the garden. 

I belong where I am, even when I am in a hot dusty street in Sicily. 

“Soul of The Soul” — words softly spoken by a Palestinian grandfather in Gaza, describing his young, martyred granddaughter as he bids her farewell along with her brother, Tariq.

The purpose of this drawing is simply to present this heart-breaking moment, a moment relived 20,000 times over the course of 2 months. The man the west has painted as a monster; a bearded, head covered Arab monster lost the soul of his soul and the soul of his heart. He kisses her eyes and rubs his beard against her head, takes her earring to remember her by and tidies her hair into two buns, getting her ready for burial. These moments are not shown in the media but rather are suppressed whilst they continue to demonise innocent civilians. 

I’ve decided to capture this moment with an illustrative, stylised digital drawing, ensuring a semi realistic depiction whilst incorporating small changes such as Reem’s glow.  The radiance I’ve added is to symbolize her enduring memory—one that shall not be lost as another number the media depicts as simple damage control. The background is dark, reflecting how the world around them has left them with a violent, deafening silence. A silence that has sentenced them to this fate. Only they cannot dim the light of the people, their faith, hope, and memory. 

The words ‘Soul of The Soul’ in both Arabic and English are written next to the pair, let the audience know thousands of 'souls of souls' are mourned every hour of every day. “Soul of The Soul” — words softly spoken by a Palestinian grandfather in Gaza, describing his young, martyred granddaughter as he bids her farewell along with her brother, Tariq.

The purpose of this drawing is simply to present this heart-breaking moment, a moment relived 20,000 times over the course of 2 months. The man the west has painted as a monster; a bearded, head covered Arab monster lost the soul of his soul and the soul of his heart. He kisses her eyes and rubs his beard against her head, takes her earring to remember her by and tidies her hair into two buns, getting her ready for burial. These moments are not shown in the media but rather are suppressed whilst they continue to demonise innocent civilians. 

I’ve decided to capture this moment with an illustrative, stylised digital drawing, ensuring a semi realistic depiction whilst incorporating small changes such as Reem’s glow.  The radiance I’ve added is to symbolize her enduring memory—one that shall not be lost as another number the media depicts as simple damage control. The background is dark, reflecting how the world around them has left them with a violent, deafening silence. A silence that has sentenced them to this fate. Only they cannot dim the light of the people, their faith, hope, and memory. 

The words ‘Soul of The Soul’ in both Arabic and English are written next to the pair, let the audience know thousands of 'souls of souls' are mourned every hour of every day. 

The Ouroboros grew out of conversations between myself and a Clinical Psychologist I met at Older People’s Mental Health Services.

My substitute family, that I felt I belonged to, had all gone in a very short period of time. I was left feeling alone and needing help to survive. It was a struggle to get the help to start with. Myself and then my neighbours begged mental health services to help me, but I didn’t get what I needed until I ended up in hospital – and that’s with a professional background that allowed me to navigate the system.

Our conversations led me to reflect upon the way in which important events, phases and ceremonies of life had been missing for me. In my family, you live and you die - there is nothing in between. It has had me missing out on hearing stories that others will have known and on learning about who I am.  

The Ouroboros is an ancient symbol of a serpent eating its own tail. It’s often interpreted as a symbol for eternal cyclic renewal or a cycle of life, death and rebirth. My Ouroboros is hollow and there is life going around within it. There are narrow passages that stop or prevent renewal. My Ouroboros has colours and sections that are not the same width, length or texture. 

It represents the different parts of my life. I know there will be a way through somehow - how long and how much energy it takes is another matter. The Ouroboros will always be there and every now and again gets itself in knots. That’s part of life – a reflection of the life you lead. It’s alive. It can learn. I love it!

The creating of my Ouroboros has made me feel so much more energy and alive. I was smiling when I was making it. I felt lighter. I was enjoying myself, having fun. It made me realise that I hadn’t been creative for a long time -  the world has been getting smaller.  I felt I had a purpose.

We all see and experience the world differently. This is one way I found I could express my experiences. Now I’m involved with the service, working to develop an ‘outsider witness’ project – making sure that others’ stories are heard and their meaning shared in creative ways. 

Being myself in the face of a lifetime of major emotional and physical abuse has been the source of my insatiable quest for meaning.

It is this quest, that is reflected here, in this snippet of a vast amount of self-reflection and desire for recognition.

It’s so tough when loving life itself. Loving peace and harmony describes itself here, clothed in the approximations that words both mask and illumin. This abstraction of insight and reflection, amidst impending danger and doom, gives occasional light.

The heart is true. The head is clear. The spirit is suffering. The soul rises moonlit amidst the darkness.

At this late stage of my life, I am so pleased to have encountered minds open to my art. The opportunity to reflect the process of addressing the Tree of Life with my Clinical Psychologist has re-opened a creativity I thought long gone, necessary in these particularly overwhelming times.

It's so vital that we can find belonging, dignity and justice. 

The vibrant glass painting of Valletta by a Maltese artist is a captivating portrayal of a city steeped in history and culture. The vivid hues and intricate details evoke a sense of vitality, reflecting the essence of belonging to a place with a rich heritage. The artist's use of color creates a luminous atmosphere, symbolising the resilience and dignity of the community.

The artwork becomes a powerful expression of the interconnectedness of belonging, dignity, and justice. The glass medium adds a layer of fragility, underscoring the delicate balance required to maintain these values in a society. Overall, the painting serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving cultural roots, upholding human dignity, and striving for justice within the vibrant tapestry of Valletta's story.

“Yusef, he is 7 years old; his hair is curly, and he is beautiful”

These are the heart-wrenching narrative of a mother searching for her child amidst the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike that razed their neighbourhood in late October. Yusef's father, a doctor treating the injured, received the devastating news of his son's death while at work.

Moved by this incident, I crafted a drawing to honour Yusef's memory. The illustration captures him in a quiet moment amidst the debris, enjoying a slice of watermelon. This deliberate choice of the fruit carries profound symbolism, representing the colours of the Palestinian flag and the unwavering resilience of its people. Its significance amplifies in the wake of the Israeli authorities' prohibition of the Palestinian flag in the occupied territories.

Resilience emerges as a defining virtue we can glean from the Palestinian experience. Despite enduring oppression, suffering, and adversity, they stand unwaveringly proud of their identity and heritage. Instead of succumbing to despair, they impart invaluable lessons on fortitude and moral steadfastness.

The Arabic inscription in the artwork, translating to 'Palestine is Resilience', encapsulates this spirit.

The exhibition's themes of Belonging, Dignity, and Justice find a fitting representation in the Palestinian narrative, where hope persists despite decades of injustice.

In the face of such tribulations, the Palestinian people continue to inspire us with their courage and faith. From resilient children consoling their parents to medical students volunteering in the perilous hospitals of Gaza, their actions radiate a steadfast commitment to their cause.

Through this drawing, I aim to honour the 20,000 innocent lives lost in Gaza during the preceding two months, portraying one of the 8,000+ children killed, peacefully savouring a watermelon. May peace and freedom be the sole experiences for these children, symbolising the aspirations that resonate within the hearts of all who bear witness to their plight.

My oil painting depicts an elderly couple sitting together, umbrellas in hand. I have used this everyday scene as a way of representing the themes of dignity and companionship, especially in older patients. 

Having just started in third year and my first clinical placement I was struck by how many of the patients on the ward were older adults, sometimes with grandchildren my age. I found it particularly rewarding talking to them as I felt that I not only learnt from them but I could actually provide them with something in return, someone to talk to. 

Loneliness and social isolation in the elderly is a major issue and one that can be difficult to combat. However, being a medical student on a busy ward, I have found that I am in the privileged position of having the luxury of time and I have tried to make the most of this by getting to know some of these older patients and their stories. 

As a way of reflecting on these interactions I wanted to create a painting that had an element of hope to it. I used simple cool tones for the clothing to contrast and accentuate the warm skin tones of the hands. The symmetry in the crossed arms and umbrellas suggest a level of intimacy and comfort between the two people emphasising their relationship, lives and individuality. Finally, both hold closed umbrellas suggesting that though there may be rainfall there are also brighter moments in life. 

cry dignity 

Shedding tears can have such negative associations. Excluding those tears shed in the most joyous of moments, crying is more often than not viewed as a sign of weakness. Some may even say its undignified. Something to be done in private. Whilst I am only at the start of my patient-facing career, there have been times that I have been a part of witnessing people's most vulnerable moments. It's often thought that doctors should be steady, strong and composed during these moments, when breaking difficult news for example. However, from the life experience I have under my belt, crying in such situations has been a sign of humanity. It takes a huge amount of courage to be willing to show vulnerability in this way, to come slightly undone and open up to potential accusations of weakness. As such, to me, crying is strength and a way to connect on a human level in circumstances that can often feel inhumane. Crying, to me, can never be undignified. 

This piece is a tribute to one of Maria’s art works that she created back in 2020 (@maria.mughari on instagram). Maria is a Palestinian artist that unfortunately had her life taken away on 18/10/23 by an IDF air strike that killed her and many members of her family in the Al-Buraij massacre.

I was moved to create this piece as I discovered that I share many things in common with her; my name, hobby, age, religion, language and so much more that I now do not have the privilege of knowing now that she is gone. I grieved her loss despite never having known her before, just through seeing what she left behind. 

As a medical student I could not imagine touching upon any other topic within the realms of ‘injustice’ without talking and raising my voice about what has been happening in Palestine and Gaza. The complete collapse of the healthcare system there due to the siege, the countless lives of healthcare professionals and students that have been lost. In my own personal statement that I applied with to this university I described how the death of doctors sacrificing their lives under siege in my own country, Syria, inspired 10 year old me to become a doctor.

In my grief, anger and absolute distraught at the brutal massacre of so many lives in the last two months I am reminded of why I, amongst many, decided to walk this path. Justice is a value for all to uphold. 

Piece details:

Multimedia on paper 

Edited digitally

Artichokes serves as a profound exploration.  

The sonic interplay of instruments mirrors the complex tapestry of human emotions, as the singer eloquently expresses frustration and resignation. In the haunting notes of the music, a deep sense of longing for belonging emerges, capturing the universal human yearning to be recognised and accepted. The singer's voice becomes a vessel for collective experiences, echoing the struggles for identity and acknowledgment. The lyrics navigate the intricate terrain of the conscience, unravelling the profound desire for a place where one's essence is embraced without reservation. 

A thread woven into the very fabric of the singer's delivery resonates with refusal and acceptance. In its journey, the track becomes a bitter declaration of self-worth, challenging societal norms that seek to diminish it. Amidst the dissatisfaction conveyed, there is an unwavering commitment to attempting to preserve dignity. The music unveils the systemic challenges faced, underscoring the hidden urgency for change, and inviting listeners to confront and rectify the injustices that persist, fostering a collective request to a more equitable sphere. A window to the human experience that, through its musical tapestry, invites introspection, empathy, and a shared journey toward a harmonious coexistence. 

Mic the baker: Music and lyrics, grand piano, vibraphone, electric piano, synthesisers, bass guitar, electric guitar, triangle, claves, clocks 

Joseph Okitikpi: Vocals 

Edoardo Vittori: Drums 

I was inspired by the world of the 19th-century Portuguese sculptor Bordallo Pinheiro’s whimsical, colourful and eccentric, and surreal creations, in particular his cabbage leaf plates. 

Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro, was a visionary – a revolutionary socialist who liked to poke fun at late-19th-century Portuguese society. He was a caricaturist, interior designer, sculptor and publisher of satirical newspapers, with an artist’s disregard for convention.

His dream was to elevate everyday tableware to the design standards of porcelain pieces – the preserve of the upper classes. The idea of equity of access to pieces ordinarily reserved for the wealthy , resonated with the theme of belonging and justice.

The triad - ثالوث الإنسانية 

(arabic) 

الانتماء

Belonging, something we desire. To belong does not mean to validate. One can be alone but feel as they belong - as the woman in the museum - she belongs amidst the art, and so the beauty of belonging is of our desire.

الكرامه

Dignity, feeling honour - what is it that we honour. Our faith gives us honour, as does our heritage. We belong, we are dignified. 

العدل

Finally, justice. When justice prevails - the triad is complete. For we cannot proceed in the absence of dignity, belonging, and justice.

May we complete the triad.