‘What defines identity?’ Students ask in Dar Al-Hekma design symposium

The term ‘identity’ is an expansive yet central concept that defines the way humans conceptualize and express their personal characteristics and those of others.
Dar Al-Hekma (DAH) College in collaboration with the German Consulate General organized a cultural exchange evening on Monday, entitled “Identity” that was correlated to the opening of DAH’s design symposium.
Addressing the attendees during the inauguration ceremony, Suhair Al-Qurashi, president of DAH, said, “The design symposium was inspired by the word “Identity,” with the hopes of triggering our young artists’ imagination and prompting them to explore this concept in their designs. Identity, amongst many other things defines our self-image, individuality, social roles and our understanding of others.”
The intricate theme of this year’s design symposium sought to challenge the students to delve into the multiplicity and elaborative question of ‘What defines your identity?’ and how the notion is universally viewed from different perspectives and disciplines.
Lisa Delong, an accomplished artist and designer, delivered the opening keynote speech, while two gifted German musicians thrilled the audience with a special guest performance. Cornelius Claudio Kreusch, a jazz pianist and Johannes Tonio Kreusch, a classical guitarist, presented their unique interpretation of identity in a beautiful musical rendition.
According to Delong, people should learn to enjoy their work.
“We can learn from how children play to be both serious and playful in our work. Like a child, we can be deeply curious, become physically engaged in learning and we can have a sense of humor to help us overcome challenges that obstruct our achievements. These attitudes will help us mix work and play, to make living more enjoyable.” Claudio Kreusch said identity is something that everyone tries to find within and in relation to the others.
“This design symposium is a very bold and significant event because it touches the very essence of our existence. My existence is linked to the music I play and it has shaped the significant events in my life. Identity is a strange thing, it keeps changing and revolving; it is a base of our existence,” said Kreusch.
Offering an alternative perspective on the theme of the symposium, Tonio Kreusch, said it is essential for every artist to search for his own identity and to find an individual way of expressing it.
The artists played different compositions, together and individually, entertaining the audience with pieces such as “Idea,” “Times of Joy,” and “Soule Mate.”
The symposium attracted 36 international and local speakers from different specialties including interior design, architecture, visual communication and fashion, who will hold panel discussions, lectures and workshops.
The workshops are open to the public today.