Spirited Arts 2022

Fatemah Zahra

Age 12

Northwood College for Girls

Harmony in Diversity – We Have Far More in Common

 In my artwork, I’ve illustrated how I see the world as a community of loving, sentient beings - whether human, animal, plant, earth, stone, mountain, river or sea; all in harmony. I’ve tried to capture a world in which our differences are not seen as barriers that shield us from one another, but, in reality, bring us closer together, adding to the beauty of life. The details I have included emphasises my key idea,  

Planet Earth is a beautiful painting in my eyes - each time we look at it, we uncover another hidden detail, adding to our worldview, making it special to us. It is that element of discovery in our daily lives that really motivates me to embrace our differences, for that benefits us all. The book in the centre, upon which everything else is built, represents how we are all like pages in the Book of Life. No matter the differences between those pages, we are all bound by the same spine - if one page breaks off, the entire book will fall apart. It is essential that we all learn to respect one another’s pages, for they enrich our collective experiences, making life so much more enjoyable.  

I’ve drawn cultural and religious activities and symbols, with people pursuing various interests. Our beliefs are what uphold us throughout life, and the concept of religious harmony is something that I aspire to see in our world more evidently one day. The words on the pages of the book all state “harmony” in different languages, representing the “harmony in diversity” that we all have in this world.  

I’ve also shown natural environments, once again representing the diversity and harmony between all life forms. The ways in which animals and indigenous people respect their habitats tells us that it’s time we embraced our roles as custodians on Earth.  

“Harmony in Diversity” is embodied in every aspect of our lives, we just need to notice it. Speaking of which, have you spotted me in my hot-air balloon? This just emphasises my concept - for here I am, looking out at our world, revelling in its layers of diversity that allow me the pleasure of noticing and embracing something new every day! 

“And of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your languages and your colours. Indeed, in that are signs for those of knowledge.” (Qur’an 30:22)