Artist Statement
My artistic practice centers on capturing moments of joy, intimacy, and laughter from everyday life. I am particularly drawn to depicting happy women, especially those from my own Saudi culture, and I explore my heritage in a vibrant and engaging way. My work often merges painting and sculpture with culinary arts and hospitality, highlighting the importance of hospitality in Saudi culture.
My art adds a unique voice to the art world by fusing Saudi and American identities. I express the perspective of a Saudi woman—a "girl of the desert"—who explores wild ideas and scenes with a touch of modesty and elegance. This contrast is evident in my oil paintings, figurative ceramics, miniature sculptures, and performative pieces that interpret Saudi essence in a contemporary style.
I aim to create work that is both accessible and enjoyable for viewers. My interdisciplinary approach allows for diverse outputs, from Saudi-specific accessory designs to conceptual oil paintings and critical installations. Every piece I create is a unique and direct response to cultural influences and current events, particularly the clash of my dual identities. My work captures truths and connections between people and life in general, all from the perspective of a Saudi woman. I see myself as a "middle woman," telling stories and addressing previously unexplored topics from behind the scenes.
My work, which often centers on cultural fusion and the exploration of dual identities, is not just celebratory. I create a multi-sensory experience that reflects the importance of my cultural heritage. This bridging of my Saudi and American experiences is evident in works like the performative sculptures "Spoiled Brat" and "An Ode to Bidet," which combine traditional Saudi imagery with contemporary elements. My oil painting "Joe The Hoe" also critically examines intense romantic relationships and gender roles in Western culture.
As a plein-air painter, I aim to sculpt moments into paint. My three oil paintings of New York City exemplify this practice. Despite the freezing weather, I painted "The Empire State Building" and "Manhattan, from Brooklyn!" after a train ride. I also captured "Asr Prayer by The Bow Bridge" after praying in the park.
Some of my most iconic works reflecting my Saudi Arabian culture include the oil painting "Girl Drinking Saudi Coffee" and the ceramic miniature diorama "The Bedouin Lady and The Oil Barrels." My plein-air works in Chicago and New York, such as "High at Clark and Division" and "Asr Prayer at the Bow Bridge," also beautifully express the fusion of my essence with the American experience. The installation "An Ode to Bidet" further represents this chaotic intertwining of the Saudi and American journey.
Fashion accessory design has changed my sculptural approach, leading to wearable pieces like chokers and misbahas. My "Saudi Brat" choker is a fun and unique piece, while the "Khanjar" garter powerfully illustrates cultural integration. I also created the "Heavy Metal Burqaa" and "Exotic Burqaa," which redefine Western and Arab understandings of face coverings.
Finally, pieces like my painting "Ghaliah" and the ceramic miniature "Southern Saudi Girl Picnicking with her cat" perfectly introduce the Southern Saudi female figure into the world of vibrant art.