Talent and creativity

Najaf event showcases talents of artists with disabilities

2024-09-15 | 14:34

NAJAF — Hussein Abdullah, a visually impaired musician from Najaf’s Al-Mishkhab district, is not only skilled in playing music but also teaches both visually impaired and sighted individuals how to play the digital keyboard. Abdullah shared his story at an event organized by Edmaj, an organization supporting people with disabilities. The event, held at Al-Zakawat Foundation in Al-Mishkhab, southern Najaf, featured artistic works, musical performances, and success stories from people with disabilities.

Falah Al-Shukri, the deputy director of Edmaj, said the exhibition aimed to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to integrate into society and showcase their talents and creativity.

“All the artists participating in the exhibition are people with disabilities who have excelled in various fields such as painting, singing, and music,” Al-Shukri said. “Our message is to show the world and our community that there is no such thing as the impossible. We can serve, innovate, succeed, and achieve great things, but we need the right opportunity.”

Abdullah spoke about his participation in the event. “I have lost my sight, but I play the digital keyboard. I performed a modest piece, including some improvisations and a composition for Iraq, along with some of my own works. I have trained both disabled and non-disabled people to play the keybaord, and many have graduated as musicians. I also have an interest in electronics,” he said.

Murtada Sheikh Taha, a painter, emphasized the importance of such events. “We need more occasions like this to draw attention to us,” he told 964media. “I participated with 15 paintings on subjects related to Down syndrome and the nature of Iraq. My materials ranged from oil paints to pencil and ballpoint pens. A pencil and charcoal drawing takes about five days, while oil paintings take longer, depending on size and the stages involved, like priming and final touches.”