Express, Not Impress: Why Art Still Matters | Winola Sebastian | TEDxTSM
The main idea of this talk is that art doesn’t always need to impress. Sometimes, it is simply about expressing what feels real, raw, and personal. In a world that constantly pushes us to perform and seek validation, especially online, art reminds us that being honest in how we express ourselves matters more than being perfect. Whether it is painting, music, design, or even casual doodling, art can be a way to reconnect with ourselves, relieve the pressure, and process things we cannot always explain with words. This talk encourages
the audience to see art not just as a finished product, but as a process. It is a personal space to slow down and get closer to who we really are. Winola Sebastian is an Indonesian visual artist known for blending history and imagination through her paintings and graphic work. Her creations, rooted in a deep appreciation for cultural and historical textures, invite audiences to see the past in new colors and perspectives. With exhibitions both at home and abroad—including La surexposition du MauMa in Marseille—Winola believes art is a powerful tool for education, capable of bridging generational gaps and inspiring curiosity about heritage. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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- 6:21The Power of Making a Difference | Yazra Allizwell | TEDxAvicenna Cinere SchoolWhat if the most powerful people in the world aren’t the loudest, but the kindest?This emotional talk is filled with real stories, raw honesty, and unexpected lessons about the kind of heroism that doesn’t wear a cape. Get ready to rediscover the quiet strength of kindness and see how you are already making a difference, one choice at a time. What if making a difference isn’t about fame, followers, or applause but about quiet courage? In this moving and deeply personal talk, student speaker Yazra Allizwell explores the unseen strength behind small acts of kindness. It’s not about saving the world overnight. It’s about choosing to care when no one’s watching and realizing that even the smallest ripple of compassion can change someone’s life. A 14 year old 8th grade student from Avicenna Cinere Junior High School, Yazra Elsya Allizwell is active in student organizations and deeply passionate about learning and self development. Her enthusiasm for leading various events and frequently serving as an MC reflects her love for engaging in social activities. She brings a thoughtful perspective to the world around her and will share how everyday actions can create extraordinary impact. Her talk reminds us that we don’t need to wear a cape to matter, we need the courage to care. Through this deeply personal and inspiring message, Yazra empowers the audience to recognize their own inner hero not by becoming someone else, but by embracing who they already are. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 11:11A Sea, Unparted: The Power Music Gives Us | Deya Nurani | TEDxUniversity High School YouthIn 2025, young people are more aware of the world around us than in any other time in history. There's a seemingly endless number of tools at our disposal to either eradicate or exacerbate change. Having lived in five countries by the time I was nine years old, I've seen firsthand how the power of music can make anyone a changemaker. Music has the potential to overcome barriers, and collect in every person an empathy that drives our stories home. There is no prerequisite to stepping on a stage and making it your own, and I invite you to join me. Deya Nurani is a 19-year-old singer, songwriter, and columnist based in Southern California. As the creator of the Dhaka Tribune's Seen And Heard column, Nurani makes use of her international perspective to discuss representation and coming-of-age in the digital era. She has been a performer and a writer since infancy, intersecting advocacy and artistry in her work. Most recently, her original poem Adhan was selected to be published in The America Library of Poetry's upcoming Excellence collection. Aside from singing and writing, she enjoys volunteering, listening to music, and denying caffeine addict allegations. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx