Jehan Ali — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

Mar 10

Mar 10 Jehan Ali

Biography

Award-winning Iraqi, mixed media artist, that resides in Dubai. Jehan has a BFA in Interior Design from American University in Dubai, class 2001.
For her, Art is life; it is the most beautiful universal language that silently speaks aloud.
A Little Bit Creative; At her home, art stirs: Food and food for thought. There, Jehan cooks, bakes, draws, paints, reads, writes, embroiders, takes photos, and creates collages.
As a war survivor, she believes art heals, poured her soul on canvas and paper, blending images with words, published her first ekphrastic art book; DELVE An Artful Book by Jehan Ali, 2019. Questioning life’s important situations with “Why?!” Her art is dramatic, enthusiastic, steps between the abstract and surreal, bold and delicate, opaque and transparent, with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. Exhibited Internationally in New York with beautiful galleries as; Broadway, Amsterdam Whitney Fine Art Inc. At Tokyo’s Contemporary Art Station. Also, home locally in Dubai, at House of Talents, The Walk. With Noon Art Gallery for World Art Dubai, Ahemedia’s Gallery, Fully Booked Dubai Art Book Fair, Alserkal Avenue.
At Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival and Museum. & Abu Dhabi’s Rich List.
Member at Tashkeel participated in many creative workshops.

Artist Statement

I am here and there, at the undulating indents, contriving a thought, sinking in it deeply, to resurface on a paper before it extinguishes in the charcoaled heap. Or blend it brightly on a more rigid or softer surface.
I like to seize fleeting moments and depict them. It begins blurry then focused. Sometimes it starts with a word, sometimes with an image and manifolds from within to outwards, or vice versa. Different angles give different perspectives. It captivates me to look through the multifarious reflections of a kaleidoscope. Where time, light, vibrant colors, various patterns, and events, change constantly, with every rotation and twist. As nothing is stable in this life, but the truth, impels me:
The purpose of life is to seek the truth… the more you head away from it, the more it gets distorted…
Distorted patterns are intolerable, neither harmonious, nor peaceful, and not even funny like carnival mirrors. From the havoc, I gather shreds, strips, and pieces, press them gently, stitch them. They coagulate at their borders, layers coalesce, unite and heal to the whole. The chaos is calmed but stillness is temporary. Repeat: Movement either deliberate or rapid, is needed, for a new beginning.

What first prompted you to think of becoming an artist?

Being artistic was always there. Becoming an artist was a natural result, over years of learning like a branching tree. That is why I love the Arabic word ‘Afnan’ because it means many arts, also, tree branches. I love all sorts of art.

What kind of an artist do you ultimately see yourself?

The artist with an impact, that leaves a mark, that is remembered by her work and words.

What are you hoping to communicate to the viewer through your work?

I would like to thought- provoke the viewer, to make them stand a moment longer to ponder, scratch beneath the surface of what appears, and delve deeper into the meaning of a work of art. I would like from the viewer to unlock the riddle and find the gem.

Can you explain the process of creating your work?

It usually starts with either an image or a word, then develops further. Reading, researching, sketching out, drawing and putting down notes is essential. Using mixed mediums and vibrant paint colours is fulfilling, tearing and adhering papers, moving things around, adding paint and ink until the desired result is achieved and photographed.

What is your favorite part of the creative process?

The Ah-Ha moment: Coming up with an idea, knowing that something interesting & beautiful is about to happen. Also, when a piece of art is almost done, that feeling of accomplishment.

Can you give us an insight into current projects and inspiration, or what we can look forward to from you in the near future?

Staying at home and unraveling the beauty of the desert around me. Birds perching or flying outside my window pane. Reviving old passions such as analogue photography. Trying something new and sensual like a ceramic workshop. Learning new tips from other artists’ painting tutorials. Joining a Read Art Book Club.

In the near future, I would really like to start another book and have my first solo exhibition.

Website www.f-nan.com

Instagram fnanfotos