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About Me
Zainab AlEssa is a Dubai-based visual artist and senior student in the Visual Arts program at Zayed University, United Arab Emirates. She is currently studying in the College of Arts & Creative Enterprises, where she explores a variety of mediums including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and photography. Zainab’s work is deeply rooted in the use of mixed media, where she blends different materials and techniques creating unique works. Her artistic practice is heavily influenced by contemporary art, as well as the fusion of past and present. Pottery, nature, and her surrounding environment serve as significant inspirations to her work. Zainab is particularly drawn to artists like Caroline Harrius, Michelle Erickson, and Kris Martin, who combine concepts and mediums in ways that resonate with her own creative process. These artists have had a notable influence on her senior project, especially in their exploration of memory and time. Zainab’s work often reflects personal narratives, particularly inspired by her mother’s story, which is woven throughout much of her artworks. Additionally, her senior project focuses on the personal and social narratives of Emirati women. She has actively engaged in volunteer work, as she participated in the Jameel Art mural event in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth in Jaddaf, September 2022. And contributed to a National Day library event at Zayed University in November 2024. In October 2018, she also joined the Al Waha Excel on-campus workshop. Zainab is passionate about continuing her artistic journey and is eager to explore new creative opportunities, building a successful career.
Artist Statement
One could say my artistic journey began in the womb. My mother dreamt of a white flower while she was pregnant with me. Since then, she has always referred to me as her “little white flower”. This name is so impactful that the white flower appears in all of my work. I’m interested in highlighting special moments, feelings, objects, and storytelling. As a child, I would see my parents draw, and that encouraged me to follow their creative footsteps.
I immersed myself in drawing and painting mostly when we moved homes; we had some sad, intense, and challenging times. Immersing myself in art was my way of seeking comfort and protection. Also, my parents’ mood would positively change when they saw my progress and felt proud. Bad times shaped me in a way, and guided me toward my passion; Art!
Before starting any work, I always like to dream about it and make every stroke and detail in my dream. People around me would always say that I leave things to the last moment, but that just means that I have not yet visualized the work fully in my dream. Moving to find inspiration, I would use mostly people & things or the environment around me, for the most part. Also, scrolling on Instagram helps a lot, and viewing artists working makes me excited.
In my previous works, I would choose subjects that are mostly circulated on me, my family, and my surroundings. However, I do see myself shifting towards social subjects; like in my senior project. Also, I did try something different in my sculpture class, where it was about human rights and the environment. Recently, capturing photos and recording videos also opened up closed doors of creativity, and new subjects.
When making a work of art, as stated before, I mainly focus on sharing the memory, thought, and feeling, and it is relatable. Also, I like my work to be either impactful or immersive;
sometimes both. My works are like my brain cells, so I believe that I’m giving the viewer a piece of my unique mind. A unique fact about me, I can’t draw very well on a table, I have to sit on the floor; which is my comfort zone. I don’t have tables in my room, it’s all floor seating. I just feel scared and restricted when I’m on the table. The floor in a way gives me freedom, an unlimited space, where I can be creative and create art. As time goes by, I believe that the tiny little white flower in me has grown up, excited to explore more mediums, visuals, and subjects. Time will show what I contrive at, but until then I am always ready to explore with an adventurous spirit!
Contact
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Instagram: zzalessa