A Gentle Spirit

Yemenat

Mohammed Al–Mekhlafi

My friend Brian Carlson from the United States is a man of gentle spirit and deep sensitivity toward others. He has devoted his life to defending human rights through art, working as both a visual artist and an activist. Through his work, he expresses the suffering and struggles of people in a sincere and profoundly moving way.

Despite his age, likely over seventy, he has never lost his passion for justice and humanity, nor his commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Brian left his family in the United States and moved to Argentina, where he works as an English teacher to earn a living. Teaching, however, is only part of his life. After his classes, he dedicates himself to painting portraits of victims in Gaza and other regions affected by conflict. His art portrays their suffering in a way that touches the hearts of those who see it, and he speaks out against injustice in all its forms with a calm and dignified voice.

Brian is a loyal and compassionate friend. His soul is full of love and respect, and he constantly remembers his parents, drawing inspiration from the values they instilled in him. The qualities he admired in his mother, including her genuine care for others, the warmth of her heart, and her dedication to helping those in need, are clearly reflected in his character today. He learned from her that true compassion does not require showmanship and that even small acts can leave a profound impact on the lives of others.

He strives to make his role in life tangible, not only through his art but also through simple daily actions. He supports refugees, assists students in need at the language center, and offers kind words or sincere advice to anyone who seeks it. His work embodies the belief that every person has the power to contribute to change and that art can serve as a powerful message of peace and justice.

Brian is more than an artist or an activist. He lives the values of humanity every day, showing that caring for others and helping improve their lives can be a meaningful and real part of anyone’s life. Everything he does is an extension of the spirit he inherited from his mother, who taught him that love, compassion, and humility are the greatest gifts a human being can offer to the world.