Art for Change: Meet the Judges for Middle East and Africa

This year’s prize asks emerging artists to submit work in response to the theme ‘Regeneration’, bringing the opportunity to create new stories of a liveable future and motivate people to do what it takes to be a driving force for the change we need. 

Six winners from around the world will be decided by some of the best business and creative minds from the M&C Saatchi Group globally and eminent guest judges. 

In this Art for Change series, we hear from our regional judges. Find out what makes them tick artistically, why this year’s theme is so critical, and what they are looking for in our winners.

Introducing our judges for Middle East & Africa: Robert Grace, founding partner and chief strategy officer for M&C Saatchi Group South Africa, Ryan Reed, chief creative officer at M&C Saatchi UAE, Zeinab Alhashemi, conceptual artist, specialised in site specific art installation and public art, artist mentor and founder of Athmad Projects.

Q> If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Robert> To be able to build a greater and common empathy for each other.

Ryan> The power to make people feel other people’s perspectives.

Zeinab> Immortality. Since I was a kid, I felt that the average human age isn’t impressive. I want to live much longer to witness more of the future where time is impartial. Or simply not age and live all my years feeling vital. 

Q> How would you sum up your job in three words?

Robert> Curiosity. Reduction. Inspiration.

Ryan> Inspire. Support. Repeat.

Zeinab> Passionate, soulful, with purpose 

Q> Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Robert> Paying attention to the world and people around me.

Ryan> The wonderful, beautiful and hopeful chaos of every day.

Zeinab> Through history, through change, through capturing reality. 

Q> Why did you agree to judge this year’s Art for Change Prize?

Robert> It is a huge dose of inspiration seeing new ideas from new artists from across the Middle East and Africa.

Ryan> Because I believe art and creativity can change the world.

Zeinab> As an art mentor, I feel strongly about supporting younger artists in different ways. Having art prizes is one of the way artists can be recognised and put on the map to showcase their works and encourage them to develop their art practice. 

Q> This year’s theme is ‘Regeneration’. Why do you think this theme is so important?

Robert> Regeneration is what we desperately need right now. Achieving this will mean re-building our social and environmental compact that sees us having greater empathy, appreciation and respect for each other and our planet. Art can be such a powerful catalyst in helping us achieve this.

Ryan> The clock now stands at 90 seconds to midnight. The closest we’ve come to extinction. Can’t think of a more important theme.

Zeinab> To do what the climate crisis demands of us we must bridge the gap between the cold hard facts of climate change and the emotions we need to feel to act. As artists, we can use our platform to help people feel the urgency of this crisis and create new stories of a liveable future to motivate people to be the driving force for the change we need.

Q> If you could have your portrait painted by one artist from art history, who would it be?

Robert> Mondrian. I’d love to see the abstract version of myself.

Ryan> Frida Kahlo or Saul Mandel (the Jolly Green Giant artist)

Zeinab> That’s not very easy, as I have many favourites, but depending on my mood, I would say either Leonardo Da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, or Salvador Dali.

Q> You’re judging entries for Middle East & Africa. What will you be looking for as a judge?

Robert> Relevance to the theme, originality in the idea, and the degree of impact it has on one in response to the work.

Ryan> Aside from the physical criteria of technique and materials, I want depth of concept that allows me to feel a regional voice and perspective. I’m looking forward to seeing regional interpretations of the theme and how it creates a global picture of the challenges and hopefully inspires change.

Zeinab> I always like to know more about the artists when I like an artwork, to understand where their art is coming from through their chosen medium, originality, and craft. 

Q> Do you think art can create meaningful change?

Robert> Artists and their work represent new ideas. And the meeting of new ideas is the origin of hope.

Ryan> Art in all its forms connects us and has a way of making us feel, move and act in similar ways. It’s the OG influencer.

Zeinab> Art has always and will continue to make a meaningful change. Art was not invented as throughout history it has always been a way for humans to express themselves and tell stories. Art is a lot about saying and seeing the truth in many different ways. Art for change strongly believes in the soft power of art and the difference it can make.