Gaza painter uses art to depict rare medical disorders

In an effort to fight stigma and raise awareness, Palestinian painter Khalil Z. Khalidy, 24, is using art to introduce rare medical disorders to the public.

Growing up, Khalidy did not have a lot of friends since his parents were constantly traveling. Thus, he started to develop a passion for all kinds of art, especially body painting. Art was his way to voice out his thoughts.

At first, Khalidy started to post informative posts on pigmentary disorders on social media but did not receive the engagement he aimed for. He then returned to visual art to stimulate people to know more.

"Art is controversial and with controversy comes attention," Khalidy told Anadolu Agency.

The young painter believes that recreating these conditions artistically not just bring hope to those who are diagnosed with, but also helps the public to accept them.

"As a body painter, I was fascinated by the patterns these disorders show. It reminds me of fiction characters and superheroes," he said. 

Backlash

Spending months of research and study before posting any project, Khalidy gathers all scientific facts and suffering stories endured by patients to presisly illustrate each case.

"I wanted to correct all mistreatment and misinformation about these medical conditions," he said.

"It's an invitation to celebrate diversity and inclusion that's built on understanding and mutual respect."

Body painting is a relatively new thing in the Middle East region, let Palestine alone.

Khalidy's journey was not easy. "Once I posted the vitiligo picture, hell broke down," he recalled the online reaction after posting one of his very first projects.

Ironically, some people accused him of using others'...