Visual resilience

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST SOLO EXHIBITION AND THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE ARTWORK SHOWCASED? BEHIND THE ARTWORK SHOWCASED? 

       My latest solo exhibition, titled ‘For You,’ is a deeply meaningful and personal body of work that aims to shed light on the ongoing situation in Gaza and Palestine. The inspiration behind this exhibition stems from my belief in the power of art to express truth and create a profound impact. Through the colors and symbols present in each piece, I sought to pay homage to the flag of Palestine, incorporating elements such as lemons and olives that hold deep cultural significance. These symbols serve as a representation of the resilience, strength, and spirit of the Palestinian people in the face of adversity. The artwork showcased in ‘For You’ is a visual documentary, capturing the painful experiences witnessed during times of war and conflict. It serves as a spiritual state, inviting viewers to connect with the emotions and realities faced by those living in Gaza and Palestine. One recurring motif throughout the exhibition is the circle, a symbol that holds significant meaning in many cultures. The circle represents the universe, earth, eternity, unity, and inclusiveness. By incorporating the circle into my artwork, I aimed to convey a message of interconnectedness, eternal hope, and the transcendent nature of peace that extends beyond geographical and cultural boundaries. I wanted this exhibition to serve as a testament to the resilient spirit of the people of Gaza and Palestine, as well as their unwavering pursuit of peace and justice. It is my hope that through these artistic works, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the ongoing struggles faced by these communities and feel compelled to stand in solidarity with them. Overall, ‘For You’ is a reflection of my dedication to using art as a means of raising awareness, fostering empathy, and sparking conversations about important social and political issues. It is a testament to the power of art to create positive change and advocate for a more just world. 

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE AND ITS EVOLUTION OVER THE YEARS LEADING UP TO THIS EXHIBITION? 

       My artistic style can be described as a fusion of various techniques and mediums that allow me to explore the merging of women into the spatial society we live in. I believe in an optimistic view of the world, where the soul of the human experience can be widely expressed as part of the social fabric. This belief has shaped my artistic journey and influenced the evolution of my style. I started my art journey in 2016, and since then, my style has undergone a gradual transformation. Initially, I focused on traditional mediums such as acrylic on canvas and portrait painting, which allowed me to develop my technical skills and capture the essence of my subjects. These early works often depicted women in different settings, emphasizing their connection to their surroundings. As I delved deeper into my artistic practice, I became drawn to experimentation and exploring new forms of expression. This led me to incorporate techniques such as photo collage, fluid art, mixed media, and printmaking into my repertoire. These diverse mediums provided me with the freedom to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and convey my ideas in more dynamic and unconventional ways. The evolution of my artistic style has also been influenced by my experiences and the social issues that resonate with me. The ongoing war in Gaza and Palestine have been a significant inspiration for my latest exhibition. It has allowed me to channel my passion for social justice into my art, using colors, symbols, and storytelling to amplify the voices of those affected by the Gaza war.

WHAT THEMES OR MESSAGES DO YOU HOPE VIEWERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR EXHIBITION?

       For You, I aim to evoke specific themes and messages that I hope viewers will take away with them, I want viewers to feel a sense of solidarity and support for the people of Gaza and Palestine, through the use of symbols like the circle, which represents unity and eternity, I want to convey a message of resilience and hope, and by shedding light on the ongoing war in Gaza and Palestine, I want to raise awareness about these issues. Overall, I want viewers to leave the exhibition with a heightened sense of empathy, a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by the people of Gaza and Palestine, and a renewed commitment to promoting peace, justice, and inclusivity in their own lives and communities. 

YOU RECENTLY PARTICIPATED IN THE 50TH BAHRAIN ART SHOW. WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE LIKE, AND HOW DO YOU FEEL IT HAS INFLUENCED YOUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY? 

       Participating in the 50th Bahrain Art Show was an incredibly enriching experience that has had a profound impact on my artistic journey. The exhibition provided a platform for me to showcase my artwork alongside other talented artists, allowing me to engage with a diverse audience and receive valuable feedback and recognition for my creative endeavors. Breaking boundaries and relying on spontaneity in this series of artworks was a deliberate choice for me. As an architect, meticulous planning and measurements often play a significant role in my creative process. However, through this exhibition, I challenged myself to let go of rules and regulations, granting myself the freedom to explore the depths of creativity and internal expression. This departure from my usual approach allowed me to tap into new and innovative visual experiences, infusing my personality and emotions into the artwork. The series consisting of 15 pieces, each measuring 30 x 30 cm, provided a cohesive and intimate body of work for viewers to engage with. By utilizing various materials such as inks, printing, and other mediums, I aimed to push the boundaries of my artistic expression and create a diverse range of visual experiences for the audience.  

YOUR PALESTINIAN SUPPORT INITIATIVE HAS GARNERED ATTENTION. COULD YOU SHARE THE MOTIVATION BEHIND THIS INITIATIVE AND ITS IMPACT ON YOUR ART AND COMMUNITY?

       The motivation behind my Palestinian support initiative stems from a deep sense of empathy and a desire to make a positive impact on the Palestinian community. As an artist, I believe in the power of art to raise awareness, spark conversations, and drive social change. I felt compelled to use my artistic platform to shed light on the struggles faced by the Palestinian people and to contribute to efforts that support their cause. The impact of this initiative on my art and community has been significant. Firstly, it has influenced the thematic focus of my artwork, as I have incorporated symbols and elements inspired by Palestine into my pieces. By visually representing the Palestinian narrative, I aim to humanize the experiences and struggles of the people, fostering empathy and understanding among viewers. 

HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR ROLE AS AN ARTIST IN ADDRESSING SOCIAL OR POLITICAL ISSUES, PARTICULARLY WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE MIDDLE EAST?

       It’s important to recognize that the role of an artist in addressing social and political issues is multi-faceted and can vary depending on the artist’s background, experiences, and artistic approach. However, by utilizing their creativity, unique perspectives, and platforms, artists can contribute to shaping a more inclusive, empathetic, and just society in the Middle East. 

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER EMERGING ARTISTS NAVIGATING THE ART WORLD AND SEEKING TO MAKE MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTIONS WITH THEIR WORK? 

       Remember, every artist’s journey is unique, and success is measured in various ways. Stay focused on your artistic growth, be patient, and trust in the power of your creativity to make a meaningful contribution to the art world and beyond. 

LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT EXCITING PROJECTS OR THEMES ARE YOU HOPING TO EXPLORE IN YOUR FUTURE ARTISTIC ENDEAVORS? 

       I hope to explore Sustainability and Environmental Awareness by focusing on themes related to the environment, climate change, and sustainability.