Talk to us about your background. How have your cultural experiences shaped your identity as both an artist and a person?

I’m a Saudi woman born into a large compound where everyone worked in oil production. Growing up in a conservative time, I often found myself wondering, “Do I belong? Who am I?” My life has been about understanding who I am and what I represent. 

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Was there a specific moment where you felt your career truly began, and you started taking yourself seriously as an artist?

For a long time, I struggled to call myself an artist, unsure of what it truly meant. That changed when I was invited to a residency at Delfina Foundation in London after they saw one of my exhibitions in Bahrain. I spent six months there and realized I wanted to be a full-time artist.

What have been the main influences shaping your aesthetic?

Culture shapes my choice of mediums. For example, I incorporate Al-Sadu, a traditional Saudi Bedouin weaving technique. Also, my time in Spain inspired me to work with porcelain and ceramics, and recently I’ve explored glasswork influenced by Venetian culture. ​

In what way does your work reflect your cultural heritage?​

I engage with cultural elements rather than the broader concept of culture. My work reflects contemporary ideas rooted in my personal experiences, which often resonate and translate into the public lives of those who view my art or attend my exhibitions.

What were some of the biggest challenges that you faced along your journey thus far?​

One of the biggest challenges was deciding to quit my job, and taking the risk and committing myself to becoming a full-time artist and living off of my earnings. 

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​Who is your Diva?

The late Safeya Binzagr inspires me. Unlike me, she fully embraced her identity as an artist. She even built her own museum; that’s diva behavior.