Unveiling Arab Women Artists: An Interview with Hayaty Diaries
- Written byJana Abou Nasr
- Published date 10 June 2024
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Hayaty Diaries is a collective dedicated to showcasing contemporary women artists from the Arab World. Post-Grad Community Ambassador Jana Abou Nasr interviewed the Hayaty Diaries founders, Kinzy Diab and Christina Shoucair, on the importance of representation in creative spaces.
In the world of artistic expression, Kinzy Diab and Christina Shoucair's art collective Hayaty Diaries stands out as a powerful force: spotlighting and empowering Arab women artists. Founded by these two creatives with deep roots in the Middle East and extensive experience in the art and production industries, their platform is more than just an exhibition space; it's a place for cultural expression and representation.
When asked about the inspiration behind their collective, Kinzy and Christina shared, "We had a desire to reconnect with our cultural roots and empower women creatives from the Arab World. Growing up in London after leaving the Middle East at a young age, we noticed a remarkable wave of creativity from the region that often goes unnoticed in mainstream Western culture." Their backgrounds as a Lebanese and Egyptian duo, combined with their professional experiences, fuelled their ambition to amplify artistic voices of women who share their histories.
The collective's previous exhibition, Through Their Eyes: Perspectives Unveiled, was a testament to their dedication to diversity and representation. Christina explained, "The artist selection process focused on diversity, including representation from Lebanon, Egypt, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and the UAE." This exhibition aimed to reflect the rich tapestry of the Arab World, showcasing nine remarkable women artists. Kinzy added, "Balancing the varied artistic styles and mediums to create a cohesive exhibition required intentional planning in the curation process."
Despite challenges like logistical constraints and the need for a cohesive narrative, the exhibition resonated deeply with the London art scene, offering new perspectives and narratives about Arab women.
Their recent exhibition, Levitate explores themes of fantastical worlds and imagination. "We selected five women artists who embrace unconventional approaches in their visual style, art-making process, or choice of subject matter," said Christina. The exhibition promises to be an immersive experience, encouraging visitors to transcend the ordinary and step into the intimate worlds of each artist.
At the core of their mission is the desire to amplify the multifaceted experiences of Arab women. "Arab women are often confined to fragments of their identity, defined solely by gender, religion, or perceived oppression," noted Kinzy. "It is important to recognise the diversity of the Arab female experience." Through their exhibitions, they aim to showcase the individuality of each artist, fostering a deeper understanding of the Arab female experience.
Reflecting on their journey, Kinzy and Christina highlighted the rewarding aspects of their work. "One of the most rewarding aspects has been the opportunity to amplify underrepresented voices and promote diverse representation," said Christina. Looking ahead, they envision establishing a global presence and creating opportunities for artists in the Arab world. "Our long-term vision is to cultivate a platform where creativity thrives without bounds," Kinzy added.
For other women looking to create similar collectives, Kinzy and Christina offered valuable advice: "Create a supportive and inclusive environment where artists feel safe to express themselves authentically. Collaborate with like-minded individuals who share your vision and passion for promoting underrepresented voices. Stay open to learning and evolving."
Building partnerships and relationships within the art community has been pivotal for their collective. "We actively participate in art events, exhibitions, and networking opportunities to connect with galleries, collectors, and peers," said Christina. Their strong online presence through social media has also been instrumental in showcasing artwork and reaching a wider audience.
Mays Al Moosawi, a UAL alumna who participated in one of their exhibitions, shared her transformative experience. "Having a mentor to guide me in developing my work further was truly transformative for my personal career as an artist," Mais said. "Being involved in an exhibition with brilliant Arab artists perfectly aligned with the direction I aspired to take. It was a great experience being a part of a group show in London with amazing Arab female artists. It felt like we were representing our identity and culture to a new eye, which was incredibly empowering." Mais emphasized the importance of representation and cultural exchange in art, noting that her collaboration deepened her understanding of these values and helped further her artistic and professional goals.
In conclusion, as artists, pursuing our dreams and leveraging our connections are crucial steps in delivering the message of art we want to convey in society. This collective exemplifies how dedication and collaboration can create meaningful change and bring underrepresented voices to the forefront.
Related Links
- Find out more about Hayaty Diaries
- Follow Jana on Instagram
- Follow Hayaty Diaries on Instagram
- Follow Mays on Instagram
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