Okaz/Saudi Gazette AL-AHSA — Through sheer courage of conviction and sincere efforts, a disabled man has been able to overcome his disability and become one of the most talented artists in the Kingdom. Rakan Abdulaziz Kurdi, 23, has suffered from partial atrophy since birth. Atrophy is wasting away of a part of the body. Causes of atrophy include mutations (which can destroy the gene to build up the organ), poor nourishment, poor circulation, loss of hormonal support, loss of nerve supply to the target organ, excessive amount of apoptosis of cells, and disuse or lack of exercise or disease intrinsic to the tissue itself. In medical practice, hormonal and nerve inputs that maintain an organ or body part are said to have trophic effects. A diminished muscular trophic condition is designated as atrophy. "I have been drawing ever since I can remember. I grew up in Jeddah and my family and friends have always been supportive of my passion for art. I began learning digital illustration in 2011. And now I specialize in portrait illustration," said Kurdi. He added he never saw his disability as a hindrance to his dreams. "I stopped going to school after fifth grade. I just continued doing my art and sold over 1,000 portraits. I participated in multiple exhibitions such as Mirkaz Art Exhibition, King Abdulaziz and many others. I got married last year and I am very happy in my life," said Kurdi. He added his most expensive and most notable portrait is of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. "I don't believe in despair. Success is not an impossible dream. You just have to be confident and believe in yourself. Allah might have not given me an able body but He has given me unbounded willpower," said Kurdi. He added the support he had from his family and friends has been very important for his motivation. "I am grateful to be surrounded by an amazing and incredibly supportive group of people. I grew a thick skin against any discrimination or criticism I might face because I know that there are those who believe in me," said Kurdi. He added that he doesn't want people to pity him for his disability. "I am an artist. That's how I see myself. I don't want people to like my paintings because of my physical condition. I would like to know that my work is self-standing and impressive regardless of the capabilities of its artist," said Kurdi.
