It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you just decide to do something. Whatever “it” is, just do it. Nike knows what’s up. I recently watched a video where a blackboard was left on a sidewalk in New York asking passersby one thing; “What is your biggest regret?” While the specificities differed, there was one common denominator; NOT. “Not taking that job offer”, “Not telling her I love her”, “Not apologizing”, “Not starting my own business”. We seldom regret things we’ve done, even if we consider them mistakes, because mistakes can be learned from, but not doing something? Not doing something leaves you with a long list of “what if’s” that have the potential to haunt you for years to come.
When Dima Alsoufi first posted about her photography walks, inviting people to join her, she wasn’t looking to start a movement, she was just looking for some company along the way. Twenty-three people showed up that day. After walking the abandoned streets of Kuwait, capturing moments long gone, they sat down over some Karak and Arcwalk was born. When asked what her goal was, Dima explained, “To practice my passion, to socialize and meet people from my field and other fields who are interested in both architecture and photography.”
The beauty of Arc Walk lies in its absolute simplicity, sincerity even; she was just a girl looking for some company. No sponsors, no organizers, just Dima. While still in its infancy, the organic growth of ‘just Dima’ to Arcwalk has made it so that there is now a “long term plan”, as Dima put it, with the possibility of getting sponsors on board for the next season.
Exhibiting at Artspace last month, participating Arcwalkers displayed what to them were hidden treasures of Kuwait, and photographers Nawaf Abdulkareem and Alshuaibi sat as judges, selecting the final winners.
I don’t think Dima knew any of this was coming her way when she first put herself out there, all she knew was she wanted company, and so company she got. So, whatever it is you’re thinking of doing, take a card from Dima and just do it. That’s where the magic beings.
Looking back, this is how all grassroots movements begin; organically, sincerely. And while the hot summer months have kept virtually all forms of life off the streets, come fall, and as the temperatures begin to drop, keep an eye out for the second season of Arc Walk – it looks like this is going to be an annual thing, and we couldn’t be happier.
People’s Choice Awards Winners
I Want them to accept me “I am”, what is “I am” anyway?- Sarah Al Hashemi, 1st Place.
Independently Together, Abdullah Baneyan, 2nd Place.
The Shadow Within, Meshari Al Nafisi, 3rd Place.
Participating Photographers: Dima Soufi; Abdulaziz Malallah; Adel Javed; Almie Lu; Amal Dahouk; Bader Nasser; Bandele Zuberi; Houssam Flayhan; Jehan Muraish; Meshari Al Nafisi; Mohammad Chehimi; Mostafa Al Zeney; Mufaddal Muhamed; Jassim Al Nashmi; Ali Bin Shaibah; Salman Moghaddam; Sarah Al Hashemi; Abdullah Baneyan.
If you’re looking to join them next season, or if you just want to show your support, follow @arcwalkkw on Instagram. Photography by Salman Moghaddam.
Originally published on www.kingdome.co. You can follow Kingdome on Facebook and Soundcloud @KingdomeMagazine, Instagram @Kingdome.co, Twitter @KingdomeCo and on YouTube: Kingdome Magazine.
