When I look at my fascination for the Arabic culture, it started about 40 years ago. What started with my interest in the social issues regarding the 2nd generation of Moroccans (1st generation of Moroccan youth) in the Netherlands, this winding path led to calligraphy and from the Turkish to ultimately the Arabic language.

'Learn a language and you learn about the people and their culture', I can only agree with this statement.
Inspired by the enormous history, you get to know the culture, issues, people and the beauty of the Arabic language, both in writing and speech. Sometimes people ask me if that’s not cultural appropriation… we’ll to be honest i don’t feel addressed by this question, as it is my admiration and attraction towards their way of expression of colors and symbols, even though the Dutch are known for their Dutch Design i really have that feeling that the WANA design will influence the Western World in a good way in the future. 

The ambition of the current generation from WANA (West Asia North Africa) but also the diaspora generation is enormous and has the same potential, although it is threatened by political developments and fear. And it is precisely that moment that I, as a Western European, feel inspired to show people that these cultures have enrichment to offer us in many ways. And I try to do that by creating images that leave the viewer with empathy, understanding, wonder, but also questions.

The last 7 years of my life I have been working as a daily manager at the Mesh Print Club in Rotterdam (24/7 workshop for screen printers), where I teach the member courses and workshops that are given to individuals, businesses and especially to schools. In addition, I am together with 4 others, the founding father (and mothers) of the Kunstfabriek Zuid. A foundation that focuses on the art craft silkscreening and making the youth, schools and our direct environment aware of this craft by giving workshops and organising activities.In addition, I design and print designs for walls and textiles, make objects and do screen printing on request.

سيد سالم