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Meet Anis Jerbi – a young, 20-year-old man from a small suburb in south Tunisia. Anis was born with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), commonly known as brittle bone disease. Brittle bone disease is a genetic disorder that affects the bones, causing them to be fragile and easily broken. This debilitating condition impacts his ability to walk and he is mostly wheelchair-bound. From a very young age, he knew that his life would be different from other kids his age. He couldn’t play sports or do other physical activities, but he was determined not to let his disability define him.
Anis’ story is one of resilience and triumph. Despite the challenges that often accompany disabilities, he has been fortunate enough to have a positive school experience. With a supportive family by his side, Anis has navigated his way through elementary and high school with grace and dignity. He has, luckily, never been the victim of bullying, and has always felt respected and valued by those around him.
From the tender age of 13, Anis found solace in art and it quickly became his passion. He would spend hours creating intricate sketches and paintings, losing himself in the process. As he grew older, his love for art only grew stronger. He knew that he wanted to become an artist and create beautiful works of art that would inspire others.
Despite his disability, Anis was determined to pursue his dream. He worked hard, honing his skills and perfecting his craft. He is self-taught, learning from watching tutorial videos on YouTube at home. Anis started practicing every day, drawing everything from landscapes, birds to still life. He found that creating art was a form of therapy and a way to express himself creatively. He would spend hours lost in his own world, sketching and shading, experimenting with different techniques and mediums, using mainly graphite and oil-based materials.
In his teenage years, Anis began to explore new forms of art, including portrait drawing. He found that he had a special talent for capturing the likeness and personality of his subjects. Anis started taking commissions from friends and family, and his reputation as a portrait artist soon spread. His portrait of US politician, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has achieved widespread notoriety. The painting of Ms. Ocasio-Cortez was actually his very first portrait which he did when he was just 16 years old. Most recently, the Worcester County Orchestra, in Massachusetts, has commissioned him to create a piece that would be auctioned to raise money for charity.
Anis’ art soon gained a huge following on social media, and he began to receive positive feedback from people all over the world and his work was met with critical acclaim. His Instagram account has over 100,000 followers. Since he was 15, he has painted portraits of dozens of famous people including, Taylor Swift, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, and Emilia Clarke.
Before making his decision to pursue his dream as an artist, Anis was contemplating studying political sciences. He is an astute observer of world politics, especially in the US, with a particular focus on the actions and legal troubles of former President Donald Trump. He avidly follows the latest news stories and analyses, staying up to date on the various criminal indictments and controversies surrounding the former President and his associates. Anis is not only interested in the legal aspects of these cases but also has a critical eye for the political and ethical implications of the actions of those in power. He is an active participant in discussions and debates surrounding these topics and is constantly seeking out new information to deepen his understanding of this complex and ever-evolving political landscape.
However, Anis is leaving the political field behind and focussing on his art. He enrolled at the Fine Arts Academy in Verona, Italy, and will begin his studies in Art this September. He has a dream to be a world-famous artist and have his artwork displayed in art galleries around the world.
Anis’ story is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges, he refused to let his disability hold him back. Instead, he uses it as motivation to pursue his passion and make a difference in the world. His art is a reflection of his indomitable spirit and his unwavering belief in himself.
If Anis can overcome his obstacles and achieve his dreams, then so can you. No matter what challenges you face in life, always remember that you have the power to overcome them. Believe in yourself, work hard, and never give up on your dreams. Who knows? You might just end up inspiring others, just like Anis did.
Find out more about Anis, his artwork, and how to commission art on his website
Or follow Anis on Instagram and support him on Patreon.
