Dotted Canvases and the Spirit of Imagination
Hicham Rahma
Portrait of Hicham Rahma, Courtesy of the artist
Hicham Rahma, an Egyptian visual artist with 17 years of experience in advertising, has embarked on a unique creative journey. As the co-founder of Tok Tok, Egypt's first comics for adults, Rahma blends diverse influences—from his upbringing in Abu Dhabi to his exploration of vibrant Egyptian culture. His work draws from vivid memories, unconventional techniques and a fantasy-filled imagination. Inspired by visual storytelling and nostalgia, Rahma continues to push the boundaries of art, design and self-expression. DIVAZ had a terrific conversation with Rahma about his unique perspective.
Tell us about your background.
I was born and raised in Abu Dhabi, UAE, until 2007 when I decided to move to Egypt to pursue my studies. My father, an accomplished man with a big legacy in the field, often gave me complex and critical opinions that stayed with me, sparking an ongoing internal conflict. However, these challenges always pushed me forward.
Tell us about your earlier career, and how it influenced your creativity.
Working in journalism was a constant challenge, demanding continuous innovation in ideas, techniques and approaches. I shifted between colored and black-and-white illustrations, working at a fast pace to meet publication deadlines. This significantly enhanced my creative abilities.
How would you describe your style?
I like to describe my world as something that doesn’t exist on Earth. I feel I have my own planet, similar to what’s depicted in The Art of the Martyr. I see myself as The Little Prince, living alone in a world where creatures from my imagination constantly emerge. One of the things that profoundly influenced me was the Yellow Submarine film by The Beatles, which my father introduced me to as a child. This film greatly developed my visual memory. I believe that feeding one’s visual memory expands imagination tremendously, making a significant difference in artistic work.
Does your unique upbringing reflect your cultural heritage?
My life in the UAE influenced me uniquely. Living there made me extremely open to different worlds and cultures. The UAE’s society is a rich mix of people from various backgrounds, including Indian, Asian, African and European—particularly Eastern European. This cultural diversity left a deep impact on my personality and art.
What are the biggest challenges that you’ve faced, and have you ever felt uncertain about your path as an artist?
I always feel like my hands lead the way—I can’t do anything else but draw or design. But from a psychological perspective, an artist constantly faces the challenge of self-doubt. Still, in the end, you find your way and you make it happen.
How would you describe your creative process?
I don’t create sketches for my paintings, but I always rather start with an initial imaginative idea in my mind that guides the work.
What is a moment of triumph that stands out to you?
One of the most pivotal moments in my life was in 2011 when I, along with a group of artists, launched Tok Tok, the first ever print comic book for adults in Egypt.
Who is your Diva?
I admire Egyptian artist Samir Fouad, who, despite being in his eighties, creates paintings and work that carry the spirit of a 35-year-old or even a 20-year-old!
