I’d Rather Die of Hunger than Live One Minute Without Freedom – The Yemeni Frida Fighting for the Rights of Children and Women

On Thursday, the first day of the Vibe Koli, British-Yemeni artist and human rights activist Tasleem Mulhall shared her inspiring story with the audience. During the discussion, Anna Bárdos, a student of the MCC University Program, asked the guest about her experiences.

Tasleem Mulhall, an artist deeply influenced by her Yemeni origins, moved to England at the age of fifteen, bringing with her aspects of her own rite of passage and coming-of-age experiences, including witnessing the everyday subjugation of women living in a society that casually regarded male domination as the norm. She is the first British-Yemeni female artist to be hailed, internationally, as a highly gifted artist whose challenging work is destined for exhibition in the world's most influential galleries. When not engaged in painting or sculpture, Tasleem still follows her career as a freelance press photographer; finding in it's factual reportage a counter-balance to the emotional demands associated with producing the surreal and abstract paintings and sculptures that largely characterize her creative output.

As an activist, she is a strong opponent of child marriage and admits she is particularly proud that her work in the UK sparked the act that raised the legal age of marriage and civil partnership in England and Wales from 16 to 18 years. In addition to her artistic career, she has worked in refugee camps and with people with intellectual disabilities.

She spoke frankly about her childhood at the conversation. She said she had always defied the system and stood up for her ideas despite constant abuse and warnings. She realised early on that she was treated differently because of her gender. The speaker stressed that it is crucial to talk about these difficult issues, abuse and violence, as this is the only way to help victims. She told the audience about her artwork called “Stoned,” a sculpture that ignited considerable controversy during the 2015 Passion for Freedom exhibition at the Mall Gallery in London. The piece symbolises the grave consequences she would face if she were still in Yemen. “I’m very proud of my heritage and background but certain things need to change”, she added. Many people have approached her with gratitude, welcoming her work, but today she could not return to Yemen without risking her life.

Tasleem Mulhall admits that art saved her life. It took her a long time to come to terms with what happened when she was young and to dare to talk about the past. Art allowed her to express honestly her vulnerability and what was in her heart. “Art has given me a sense of stability, a voice, courage. It is like air or food for me,” she said.

The artist confessed that as a homeless teenage girl, she never thought her life would ever be so fulfilling, so she is immensely grateful for her situation. She sees herself as a survivor warrior, but she doesn't blame her parents or her culture for the events of her past. She has found peace through art and activism and would not change the ups and downs of her life today, as she has worked with tremendous motivation and passion for all that she has achieved. She is most proud of her four children, but she is also proud of the little girl who endured the beatings and the woman who continued to persevere and stand up for herself despite the hardships. She never gives up hope that the situation in her home country will improve. She is the first female activist from Yemen, but she hopes not to be the last.