By Hossam Fazulla

Seifeddine Jlassi’s work exemplifies the profound impact art can have on society. As an artist deeply connected to his community, Jlassi has spent over 13 years using his craft to address critical social and political issues. His journey from the streets of Tunisia to international platforms illustrates the transformative power of art. His notable projects include murals created during the Tunisian Revolution, impactful theater productions, the immersive exhibition “HOW IF WHEN?” in Glasgow, and his leadership of the cultural organization Fanni Raghman Anni. We sat down with Jlassi to explore his journey, challenges, and future aspirations in art and activism.

Jlassi’s journey into art activism began during the Tunisian Revolution in 2010-2011, a period of intense political turmoil and social transformation. He saw first hand the power of art in articulating the desires, frustrations, and hopes of people. When asked what motivated him to combine art with activism, he explains, “My motivation to blend art with activism stems from a belief in the power of art as a catalyst for change. Growing up in Mornag, a marginalised region in Tunisia, I saw first hand the social and political challenges faced by my community. Art became my tool to raise awareness and drive social change.” By creating murals and street art that reflected the spirit of the revolution, he found a way to participate in and support the movement.

One of Jlassi’s most influential early projects was a series of murals during the Tunisian Revolution. These artworks were not just art pieces but powerful statements reflecting the spirit of resistance, hope, and demand for change. He recounts, “These murals became symbols of resistance and hope. By capturing the feelings and aspirations of the people, these murals became a voice for the revolution and a symbol of the collective struggle for freedom and justice.” This project highlighted the role of public art in shaping public discourse and solidified his belief in the transformative power of art.

Navigating the complex political landscape, especially during and after the revolution, presented significant challenges for Jlassi. His projects often faced resistance from extremist groups, leading to threats, arson, and arrests. Despite these obstacles, his commitment to art-activism only deepened. “There were threats from extremist groups opposing my work. Our headquarters were burned down, and we faced arrests and censorship,” he shares. These challenges strengthened his resolve to use art as a means of social change, demonstrating the impact and importance of his work.

Jlassi’s early work was fraught with struggles, yet these experiences only fuelled his dedication to his craft and cause. The political turmoil during and after the Tunisian Revolution created an environment where his art became a beacon of hope and resistance.

Jlassi’s approach to art is deeply embedded in community engagement. By directly involving community members in his projects, he ensures that the art created is relevant and impactful. “My approach is deeply rooted in the community. I prioritize direct engagement, conducting needs assessments to tailor artistic initiatives. Collaboration with local artists and organizations ensures the relevance and impact of our projects,” he explains. This methodology was evident in his environmental awareness campaign, where he created sculptures from recycled materials, and in his gender equality workshops, which culminated in powerful public exhibitions.

One key element of his approach is collaboration. Jlassi works closely with community members, local artists, and various organisations to identify the issues that matter most to them. This collaborative process ensures that the art they create together is meaningful and resonant with the community’s voice.

Over the years, Jlassi’s work has evolved to become more inclusive and collaborative. His involvement with various community groups and NGOs has expanded the reach and effectiveness of his projects. For instance, his collaboration with local artisans in a cultural preservation initiative highlighted traditional Tunisian crafts through a multimedia exhibition, fostering pride and identity within the community. Reflecting on this evolution, he notes, “My approach has evolved to be more participatory and collaborative. Listening to the community and being adaptable to changing contexts are crucial.” Continuous learning and self-reflection keep his work dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of the community.

Founded in 2011, Fanni Raghman Anni aims to use art for social change and community empowerment. The organisation engages local communities through interactive and improvisational techniques in street performances, critiquing social and political crises. “Fanni Raghman Anni, co-founded in 2011, aims to use art for social change and community empowerment. We promote social justice, cultural exchange, and support emerging artists,” Jlassi explains. Projects like the Conolia Festival and Espw’art have engaged over 35,000 individuals across Tunisia, focusing on issues such as human rights and environmental sustainability.

The organisation has been a cornerstone of Jlassi’s efforts to use art for social change, providing platforms for marginalised voices and talents and making a significant impact across Tunisia.

Jlassi’s work in theater extends his influence beyond visual art, using performance to address societal issues directly. His theater productions are known for their interactive and provocative techniques, often involving the audience in the narrative. He shares insights on his theater work: “Theater has been a significant part of my practice. Plays like ‘WC’ and ‘Gantra’ use interactive and provocative techniques to involve the audience directly, making them a part of the performance. ‘Getlouh’ was particularly impactful, performed in response to the political turmoil in Tunisia. It used dance and body expression to raise awareness about extremism and violence.” These productions engage the public in critical dialogue and reflection on social issues, demonstrating the impact of theater in Jlassi’s multifaceted approach to art-activism.

The “HOW IF WHEN?” exhibition in Glasgow was a significant departure from Jlassi’s previous work. By recreating the experience of a refugee camp and involving the public in the creative process, Jlassi fostered a deeper connection and understanding of the refugee experience. He explains, “In Glasgow, I co-created ‘HOW IF WHEN?’ with Mousa AlNana, an immersive exhibition recreating the experience of a refugee camp. This project at the Centre for Contemporary Arts was part of the Common Ground Festival. It differed by involving the public in creating art, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of refugees’ lives.” Volunteering with Refugee Festival Scotland also enriched this experience.

This immersive approach allowed visitors to engage with the art on a personal level, enhancing their empathy and awareness of refugees’ lives.

Participating in the Landscape of Hope network has been a transformative experience for Jlassi. The 2022 festival in Mexico brought together over 70 artists, writers, and activists, providing invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration. He reflects on this experience, “Being part of Landscape of Hope has been transformative. The network fosters collaboration and shares expertise across borders. The 2022 festival in Mexico highlighted the power of solidarity and collective action in addressing global issues.” Learning from diverse initiatives has enriched Jlassi’s approach, emphasizing the universal impact of art in promoting social change.

Looking ahead, Jlassi is excited about expanding his work both locally and internationally. He is keen to explore new mediums and techniques, with a continued focus on human rights, gender equality, and environmental issues. “I aim to expand my work both locally and internationally, exploring new mediums and techniques. Addressing human rights, gender equality, and environmental issues remains a priority. I am excited about new collaborations that advocate for policy change and influence public opinion,” he says. The journey continues, driven by his belief in the transformative power of art.

Seifeddine Jlassi’s journey from Tunisia to Glasgow demonstrates how deeply art can impact social change. His work, including notable projects like the “HOW IF WHEN?” exhibition and his leadership of Fanni Raghman Anni, continues to inspire and empower communities. Through his innovative projects and unwavering dedication, Jlassi shows that art is not just a form of expression but a powerful catalyst for positive transformation. By involving communities directly in the creative process and addressing critical social issues through his art, Jlassi has created a lasting impact that transcends borders and cultural barriers. His theater productions, street art, and immersive exhibitions have all contributed to a legacy of art-activism that speaks to the heart of social justice and community empowerment.