Q. It has been 15 years since the beginning of Tashkeel. How far do you think it has come on its journey of embedding UAE-made art and design inextricably into society and culture ?
I think Tashkeel continues to lead and herald the nurturing, motivating and empowering UAE-made art and design into the very fabric of society, and in turn empowering the economy as that of the artistic face of Dubai. I think the perspective of economic growth is very important because it recognizes the direct commercial impact, power and influence of creativity and its far-reaching ramifications for the Country at large. And Tashkeel is at the forefront of that brief.
Q. How would you describe your experience of being a member of the Sheikha Lateefa bint Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum led organization Tashkeel? How would you say she has influenced the world of art and culture with her initiatives ?
I have been very fortunate to be part of the Tashkeel family from early 2022. As an artist, it was the first institution that truly opened doors for me to the art scene in the Country. I was able to meet other artists, designers, and like-minded Individuals, (locals and expats), and collaborate with them in such an alluring space.
“In my opinion , an artist should breathe in their influences, inspirations and ideas that capture the imagination and then exhale them into their work.”
The special energy that Sheikha Al Maktoum brings to the venture is priceless because she has founded a space like no other, spearheading the notion of art and its rightful place in our society.
Q. Has it been difficult making the transition from Lebanon to the UAE ? What would you say is your favorite part of living and working in Dubai ?
In order to give you a tangible answer, I need speak in terms of an individual as well as an artist. First off, there’s an openness and transparency in Dubai, so anyone can be recognized for his/her talents and value without discrimination whatsoever. Add to that the incomparable aura of positivity of the City: It’s always looking forward, evolving, planning, and realizing bigger goals and amazing thresholds. That’s a truly powerful and inspiring energy to live in its midst. So, an artist, you’re constantly encouraged to strive, to work and deliver, and a person, there’s a unique quality of being part of a community made up of a mix of cultures that live side-by-side in harmony. Dubai is a City that embraces you and in tandem gives you opportunities to shine in a safe and cohesive society that you can call your very own.
Q. You have recently started working on visual art pieces that are a mixture between a graphic style and mixed media. What inspired you to diversify ?
In my opinion , an artist should breathe in their influences, inspirations and ideas that capture the imagination and then exhale them into their work. As someone that works in both advertising and the arts, it was a natural route to pursue the so-called: ‘pixelation style’; mixing the different disciplines of graphic and fine art together. In fact, my process is quite intense; drawing artworks and illustrations on paper, then scanning and transferring the project online to explore digital embellishments of the piece. That in turn inspired my technique where I create different types of art, portraits, landscapes, and abstracts mastering the use of ‘squarish’ and ‘rectangular’ elements.
Q. What would say is your biggest take-away from your experience working in advertising ?
In short, advertising is about the art of communication and the ability to shift one’s attention effectively to a brand or a service. And having said that, creativity has always been the best method as a rulebook to achieve this across many different mediums.
Q. Is there a certain individual or organization that you look up to or would want to emulate ?
I truly look up to H.H. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. For this reason, I did a huge portrait of him, and I did another huge artwork showing a poem he wrote- on gold. I look up to him for many reasons: How he dreams and invariably how those very thoughts and aspirations become a reality. One that we are living in right now. And all in all, it’s for the welfare of everyone, starting with and ending with Dubai!
Q. What is the significance of using the color gold as a medium in your new work ?
Gold holds a special place in the human psyche as a representation of many valued attributes. Be it luxury, grandeur, and to a certain degree, a value of importance. In other words, something worth elevating so its respected and renowned. So in using gold textures in the artwork of for example, the painting: ‘H.H. Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed’s Poem,’ I’m almost immortalizing the poetry and sentiments contained within, so that we can look back on them in the future, we may `realize the true wisdom and inspiration they truly portray.
Q. Where do you see yourself and your work in the next 5 years?
I see myself exhibiting in Europe and other parts of the world, with work that is created and inspired by the United Arab Emirates and its endearing culture. I also see myself working on a big mural artwork in Dubai, reflecting on how the City will be after 50-years. And finally, I see myself initiating a dedicated art school open for all ages.
Q. In the future, do you see yourself expanding your scope of work or experimenting with newer mediums ?
Yes, I see myself relocating to other locations and countries, working on artworks with other artists and exchanging ideas and inspirations. That’s also true for exploring new mediums under the pixels style, like working on metal, wood, glass, and plastic acrylic, and even tackling work on bigger sizes, and murals. Lastly, working on diverse installation artworks that are based on mixing AI with authentic elements. So, yes- different techniques, different formats, while constantly challenging yourself to learn, grow and be open to new ideas.
Q1. What is the one piece of advice that you would like to offer to newcomers who are looking to make a name for themselves in art and design ?
The advice that I will give for newcomers is to fight hard for career opportunities and saying ‘yes’ to any small or big prospects, for you to go up the ladder and ultimately reach the right position. Like Nelson Mandela once said: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
