LIFE OF A BOX

The Life of a Box platform acts as a medium for transmitting messages, demonstrating principles, and inspiring transformation. By engaging in this initiative, we enhance awareness and provide education on environmental concerns.

Project is held under the patronage of the Ministry of the Environment of Czech Republic.

Recycled materials offer a wealth of inspiration and creativity for art projects, particularly for those seeking to promote environmental consciousness and sustainability. Incorporating recycled materials into art projects provides an excellent opportunity to integrate environmental education into your curriculum or practice. Environmental education involves understanding the natural environment and human interactions with it, with the goal of fostering awareness, knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors that support environmental protection and sustainability. Through the use of recycled materials in art projects, we can educate ourselves and others on a range of environmental topics and concerns, including waste management, resource conservation, climate change, biodiversity, and environmental justice. Most importantly, we increase awareness which may inspire us to take action and make positive changes in our personal, social, and professional lives benefiting both the planet and society as a whole.

Life of a Box is a global initiative established by artist Hesham Malik, and is held under the patronage of the Ministry of the Environment of Czech Republic. Life of a Box pays tribute to organizations and individuals who possess a profound concern for the environmental challenges confronting our world. This initiative utilizes recycled materials for artistic endeavors and offers numerous advantages, including the ability to minimize waste and preserve valuable resources. Through the repurposing of items, that would otherwise be discarded in landfills or incinerated, one can actively contribute to the conservation of natural resources, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and the prevention of pollution.

Various cities and organizations worldwide are backing Hesham’s project by donating a used box. Hesham transforms the box into art and showcases it in museums across the world to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. The inaugural exhibition of Life of Box takes place at The Museum of Papermaking in Duszniki-Zdrój, Poland. Several institutions that are involved in the global project include National Museum of Denmark, European Schengen Museum, Nobel Prize Museum, National Museum of the History of Ukraine, National Museum of Ireland, Nuuk Museum – Greenland, Swiss Museum – Switzerland, Malta National Art Museum, National Museum Cotroceni – Romania, Musée des Augustins – Toulouse, France, Natural History Museum of the University of Zurich, Museum of the City of Nuremberg – Germany, National Gallery Prague, Musuem of Cultures Basel – Switzerland, Museum Kampa – Prague, Museum of Anthropology – British Columbia, Canada, Museum of Paper Art – Denmark, Reykjavik City Museum – Iceland, Muzeum Kroměřížska – Kroměříž, Museum Brugge – Belgium, The Waitangi Museum – New Zealand, Mohatta Palace Museum – Karachi, Pakistan, Hawk Conservancy Trust – Hampshire, UK, Environmental Services Association – Buckingham, UK, The New York Public Library – US, Deutsche Nationalbibliothek – Frankfurt, University of New York, Gallery of capital city of Prague (GHMP), Masaryk University, City of Senica – Slovakia, Åland Islands – Finland, People of Ukraine, Elmira College – New York, University of Providence – US, Fundación MAPFRE – Spain, The Chimera Gallery – Ireland,  Czech Agricultural University, Red Cross, UNICEF, Belgium Embassy, Haus des Papiers gGmbH – Berlin, Germany, Georgia Institute of Technology – Atlanta, US, Czech Technical University (CVUT) – Prague, Czech Republic, TŪHURA Otago Museum – New Zealand, University of Waterloo – Canada, AgoraPrep School – Toronto, Canada, Carpe Diem Gallery – Goa, India, Art Wall Gallery – Prague, Czech Republic, House of Foreign Cooperation – Prague, Czech Republic, and many more.

Life of a Box does however present some obstacles and constraints. Among these challenges is the quest for appropriate materials that align with our objectives and requirements; considerable time and effort invested in identifying organizations or individuals, establishing connections, gathering, organizing, crafting, and preserving artwork; and lastly, there is always a need to have a contingency for any unforeseen outcome or setback. Amidst these challenges, Life of a Box serves as a platform for conveying messages, showcasing values, and motivating change. By engaging in this initiative, we enhance awareness and provide education on environmental concerns and potential solutions.

SYMBIOSIS

HESHAM MALIK INTRODUCES THE INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVE “SYMBIOSIS”, IN WHICH A NUMBER OF ARTISTS WITH DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES COLLABORATE ON ONE CANVAS AND TRANSFER EMOTIONS AND STORIES MEDIATED THROUGH COLORS INTO A TANGIBLE WORK OF ART.

Historically, mutual collaboration has often served as a means for artists to free themselves from the limitations of individual work. This challenge to co-create may first of all come across as trying to focus on creating art that is easily marketable or marketable.

For most artists, collaboration can therefore conflict with their own intention to create a masterpiece. Paradoxically, it is precisely such activities that can serve as a starting mechanism to break out of the established routine. The results of such collaboration are often unpredictable and different from the usual work of artists, which surprises even the artists themselves.

Internationally acclaimed artist Hesham Malik has created a global initiative called “Symbiosis”, in which a number of artists with different experiences collaborate on one canvas. Working with an artist who translates emotions and stories conveyed by color into a tangible work of art is both breathtaking and challenging.

The Symbiosis project creates artistic partnerships not only on the basis of mutual benefit, but also on the basis of trust and respect. They consistently try to convey a particular narrative or message to a particular audience.

This particular collaboration involves an exchange of creative energy, which contributes to its dynamic and unpredictable nature. Based in the EU, Hesham collaborates with various artists around the world.

Art truly comes to life when it is presented to an audience, so it is essential to allow access to as many individuals as possible. Finally, the paintings created in the Symbiosis project travel to various museums and galleries, allowing communities to enjoy the union of two artists from two different worlds.

I AM 

How would Comenius’ “Orbis pictus” fare in comparison to the opportunities presented by modern technologies? 

The undeniable successes achieved by Hesham Malik through his artistic-educational endeavor, “I am,” serve as evidence that the future is not as bleak as portrayed by the media. 

“I am” stands as a distinctive artistic creation by its author, Hesham Malik. This global project was conceived during the initial lockdowns of 2020, with the aim of providing support to both teachers and students in their online educational pursuits.

Primarily designed for students, the project offered students the opportunity to experience the power of their own words. Simultaneously, it allows them to appreciate the vast reach their thoughts can have, extending beyond the confines of their own schools, cities, and even countries.

Through the global project ” I AM” students from different educational institutions engage in reading and responding to the opinions of their peers regarding various personalities. The greatest advantage for students lies in their ability to become part of a narrative that transcends national boundaries, while also imparting knowledge to their counterparts from other schools. Through the artist’s own initiative, the project harnesses the principles of depth psychology and nurtures the talents of students on multiple levels.

THE FUNCTIONING OF THE PROJECT

The concept behind the project is rather straightforward. The creator has meticulously crafted an extensive assortment of portraits featuring numerous historical, contemporary, and political figures, as well as “villains,” child prodigies, and ordinary individuals, each accompanied by the artist’s personal commentary.

Within their educational institution, both educators and students are tasked with selecting personalities from this portfolio that align with the school’s focus, the age group of the students, and their respective abilities. Although this process may occasionally prove challenging, the project as a whole is not intended to be a struggle, but rather an endeavor to foster dialogue.

In this instance, art and imagery serve as a conduit through which anyone who encounters the artwork, whether in person or online, can actively engage and contribute their own opinions and stories. These contributions may take various forms, such as humor, factual accounts, or even myths.

“I AM” at museums and Schools around the world.

Notable schools and institutions that have already participated in this project include Stockholm – Sweden, Edinburgh – Scotland, Prague – Czech Republic, Toronto – Canada, Boston – United States, Dubai – United Arab Emirates, Wellington – New Zealand, London – Great Britain, Mumbai – India, Sydney – Australia, Kuwait city – Kuwait, Barcelona – Spain, Durham – Great Britain, Sharjah – United Arab Emirates, among others.

The physical manifestation of the exhibition has already been successfully implemented in various museums, such as Regional Museum of Jílové near Prague, Kroměříž Museum, Barrandov Gallery, The City Museum Skuteč, etc.

The first few schools to exhibit the project “I am” were, Seneca College in Toronto, Agora Prep Academy in Ontario – Canada, Futuraskolan International in Stockholm, Sweden, St. Peter’s School in Barcelona, ​​Spain, American Academy of Prague, etc.

I N C O M P L E T E…

The primary objective of the global project “Incomplete” is to foster a more profound comprehension of diverse individuals and global cultures.

The artist endeavors to achieve this by engaging the viewer in the process of elucidating the unfinished depiction of the artwork.

“Incomplete” is one of the extensive projects conceived and executed by Hesham Malik. In doing so, the artist once again transcends the boundaries of artistic disciplines, forging connections between disparate entities and fostering a sense of unity among individuals from diverse communities, disciplines, and cultures across the globe.

The artist firmly believes that global art projects provide an avenue for people, irrespective of their conventional or academic abilities, to showcase their knowledge and skills through creative, unconventional, and non-traditional means. This not only grants individuals the freedom to explore their creative potential but also facilitates the discovery of connections between artistic and non-artistic realms.

The project serves as both a valuable resource for individuals and a transformative force in the perception of the art world. Its content undergoes daily changes, simultaneously revealing certain similarities and disparities in what is present and what is absent, for better or for worse.

WORLD OF WATER

THE MYTHICAL PATH TO THE LEGACY OF EGYPTIAN CIVILIZATION

As an integral component of the“World of Water” artistic endeavor, painter Hesham Malik adeptly conveys Egyptian myths through his artistic creations. 

The interior of the Small Hydropower Plant Přeperé II on the Jizera River near Turnov is adorned with a remarkable wall painting, commonly referred to as a “mural.” Situated in the heart of the Bohemian Paradise, this artwork is accompanied by a fish passage that safeguards the fish population, enabling them to traverse the river Jizera without hindrance.

The preparations for this painting commenced in 2018 and were successfully concluded after a span of 14 months.

The artist Hesham Malik has created a timeless masterpiece titled “World of Water,” which explores the concept of water as a renewable energy source throughout history. Within this artwork, Malik skillfully incorporates elements such as the rise and fall of civilizations, political dynamics, as well as beauty and power. As is characteristic of Malik’s style, this painting serves as a narrative, drawing inspiration from ancient Egyptian myths.

Malik dedicated nearly six months to the creation of this painting, which stands as his largest mural in Europe to date.

Even the artist himself acknowledges the architectural magnificence of the building that houses his artwork. His personal favorite aspect of the structure is the circular windows, designed in the style of the ancient Egyptian “water wheel” that dates back to approximately 400 BC. This water wheel served as a precursor and inspiration for the modern turbines utilized today.

In preparation for this extraordinary painting, Malik produced 112 canvases and sketched 427 preliminary drawings, resulting in a total of 539 works of art required to complete the mural. To put this into perspective, if all the paintings and sketches were assembled together, they would form an equally substantial piece of artwork, equivalent in size to the mural itself (165 m2/10m). Malik’s artistic vision extends to all the walls of the building, including the ceiling.

QUEEN

Deeply moving testimonies of human resilience in words and images

The project titled “QUEEN” serves as an artistic exploration of the global Trans community, delving into a diverse array of responses towards challenging life circumstances and experiences that are often deemed sensitive to discuss.

The challenges that individuals face in their quest to be true to themselves are profoundly distressing; in numerous instances, transgender individuals are rejected by their immediate circle, some face discrimination in the workplace, forcing them to navigate a world rife with hostility towards such principles. While many people consider these subjects difficult to discuss and often avoid engaging in such dialogues, it is crucial to acknowledge that this remains a pressing issue within our society. The global project “Queen” plays a vital role in highlighting these social barriers and at the same time attempts to connect people around the globe.

Times are changing swiftly, and in many ways, this project represented a significant shift of the past decade – the concept that gender identity is prioritized over biological sex. Art possesses the ability to act as an educator, frequently conveying lessons that the creator may not have anticipated. The idea of launching the global project arose during my studies in the course Queering Identities: LGBTQ and Gender Analytics at the University of Toronto. The global initiative “Queen” certainly equipped me with education and insights. The three aspects one should expect to encounter from “Queen”: Powerful stories, bold statements, and creative visuals.

Utilizing art as a medium to investigate the frequently overlooked aspects of trans people and trans+ history, this project challenges traditional norms. Each narrative captured by the artist holds significance, and every story is animated through a work of art. Further “Queen” seeks to enhance awareness about oppression based on gender, sexual orientation, and race through the artistic creations of Hesham. Each of his artwork tells its own narrative, whether it provides insight into the life or living conditions or illustrates the challenges faced by the queer community both historically and in contemporary times.

Queen unites remarkable individuals to convey their lives and legacies through photography, paintings, and sculptures.