Simko Ahmad: From Kurdistan to Japan, A Journey of Art and Humanity
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – In an exclusive interview with Kurdistan24, Simko Ahmad, a renowned artist and painter, shared his inspiring journey from his homeland in Kurdistan to Japan, weaving together themes of art, humanity, and activism.
Ahmad, born in Sulaimani in 1972, relocated to Japan in 1996, where he became the first Kurd from southern Kurdistan to obtain Japanese citizenship. Reflecting on his artistic journey, he revealed that his personal struggles and the suffering of others served as the catalyst for his artistic pursuits.
"My pains and sufferings pushed me to take up my paintbrush, and love and passion compelled me to continue," Ahmad emphasized.
During his time in Japan, Ahmad obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University Of Tokyo College Of Fine Arts in 1998. However, his artistic endeavors extended beyond academic pursuits. Ahmad recounted his involvement with the Japanese Peace Wind Humanitarian Organization, where he worked tirelessly as both an engineer and artist to aid victims of war and natural disasters in various countries, including Kurdistan, Kosovo, Bosnia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Afghanistan.
Since relocating to the UK in 2012, Ahmad has continued his dual career as an engineer and painter, while also authoring several books and art booklets, each reflecting different themes and styles.
Ahmad's artistic style is characterized by experimentation and evolution, refusing to confine himself to a singular aesthetic. He described his art as a reflection of his life experiences, oscillating between contemporary surrealism and abstract forms. Moreover, Ahmad emphasized his commitment to advocating for human rights, freedom, and equality through his art, echoing the struggles of people worldwide.
Reflecting on his global artistic endeavors, Ahmad highlighted his contributions to over 50 international Biennales and Triennials across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and beyond. Through his involvement in organizations like JAALA (Japan, Asia, Africa, and Latin America Art Association), Ahmad continues to promote cross-cultural exchange and collaboration among artists from diverse backgrounds.
In closing, Ahmad shared his profound belief in the transformative power of art, stating, "Art is the eloquent expression of beauty, truth, and the love within the human heart." He emphasized the importance of addressing human struggles for freedom and equality through art, asserting that true art serves as a beacon of hope for humanity.
Simko Ahmad's journey from Kurdistan to Japan embodies the universal language of art and the enduring spirit of humanity, inspiring individuals around the world to embrace creativity, compassion, and activism.
