By Zaiti Athirah
“Knowledge is Not Power,” Anas (2024)
At the Western wing of the Dar al-Hikmah lobby, you’ll find an exhibition of student-made artworks centred on the theme of knowledge. Nonetheless, a particular piece stands out among the others – an acrylic composition rendered in sombre grey hues, with stark rubbles of the ruined facades, conveying a contrarian sentiment of the conventional wisdom; that knowledge, though often revered as power, is instead depicted as subdued, prompting viewers to contemplate its questionful paradox.
This intrepid statement by Anas, 22, being displayed in the House of Knowledge (Dar al-Hikmah), is deliberate for the stark irony. The advent of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict inspired the artist to invite readers to contemplate, in retrospect, the authority of knowledge in the most documented genocide in history.
“The knowledge that these atrocities are happening is clear. There are social media accounts and news reporters dedicated to updating the state of Palestine every hour. Yet, the public has either become desensitised or not and contributed to the dissemination of information – there are somehow obstacles to this help, such as the Western veto and media censorship. Unfortunately, knowledge alone is not power,” Anas lamented.
Knowledge in this context has become merely a minuscule part of the Israeli protest endeavours when systemic corruption is in the way. Though as of March, the increasing awareness of the present humanitarian crises had called for the UN Security Council to pass a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, the callous despotism persists against the innocent Palestinians.
Anas claimed that he hopes for a new perspective to emerge in the discourse surrounding the dynamic of knowledge and political impasses such as the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “Knowledge is often perceived as something so expansive and optimistic. To me, that prevalent narrative overshadows the burdens and shortcomings that come with obtaining knowledge. That pessimistic view was a way for me to have the viewers consider this flip side of knowledge.”
In that sense, Anas’s appeal for a new approach is a reflection of the Promethean view that it is not enough to gain knowledge; one must also summon the courage to dismantle the darkness of the current state, confronting its complexities and shortcomings head-on. Only this rethinking and redistribution of circumstances rooted in morally and strategically failed premises can open up an opportunity for the trajectory of not only innately humane but also fairer attitudes in the global dimensions and human outlook.
Knowledge, I believe, needs to be empowered by actions. Simply knowing and getting updated with recent news and information only for it to be forgotten and slip off our minds would be purposeless, if not wasteful. I think many of us, myself included, probably still have yet to realise the huge responsibility that comes together as a package when acquiring knowledge. A question to ponder upon is, "What have we been doing with the knowledge that we receive each day?" We are used to thinking we are impotent, however, there is power in our voices and for us to reflect on ourselves. Proud of this artwork and the artist himself, happy to have witnessed it firsthand.