The artist for this month is a known name particularly in U.A.E art scenario with respect to colourfully attired working women, showcasing an entire clan of them who she says are the "backbone" of the entire family and thereby for an entire society. Her works, I feel whether it's faceless or with a face, imparts a richness and vigour, to the beholder. An artist who feels the sense of loss and brave it all, who tries to fill those spasms through her colorful art trying to heal those scars left back in her country and fellow-citizens. I hope you enjoy her art and please check out her social media platforms to know her more.
So Friends...Let me introduce, the gifted artist...
So Friends...Let me introduce, the gifted artist...
Fahima Fattah
Deepa: To
begin with, tell us something about yourself…your family, background, education
etc.
Fahima: I was born in Baghdad, Iraq and graduated
from the University of Baghdad. Married and have two girls and a boy. I
immigrated with my family to Canada in 1996.
Deepa: How did your journey as an artist begin?
Who is your inspiration? Who taught or inspired you to indulge in art?
Fahima: Since childhood, my school teachers and
family members started noticing my talent in paintings. It is at this point
where I started paying more attention to developing my painting skills. Through the years I have attended numerous
art courses and workshops further developing my skills, and I started
exhibiting my art work at numerous galleries in Canada and UAE.
I was taught by one of the Iraqi artist
pioneers, Nazeeha Salim, who encouraged me to take my talent further. I was
mainly inspired by the surrounding environment in Iraq (Tribe women, villagers,
palm trees etc.).
Deepa: Have you had any formal art education or
are you self-taught? What do you have say about it?
Fahima: I
have painted all my life, and took it further by studying it seriously in the
past ten years. My art is a mix of
self-taught and art education.
Deepa: Your
art is rich, vibrant and colourful. Most often you depict your characters
faceless or with vague features…What is its significance? Why do you do that?
What are your thoughts on it?
Fahima: I have always loved using my imagination
and my senses which are expressed, through my colourful paintings. Sometimes I
depict my characters faceless or with vague features because I believe that
everyone is a closed book and there is a hidden side in each person which can
not been seen by others until exposed, which I leave its interpretation to the
viewer.
Deepa: I somehow feel that your art that features
so many women in bright attires are somewhere a plea, a prayer to tend to the
matters of your beloved country. Is that so? Also your characters are all
women…often at work? Is that a conscious one?
Fahima: Yes, because I believe women are half the community
and they should be represented in every part of life. In Iraq women have gone
through a lot in the past and I view them as the backbone for every Iraqi
family, that’s why in many instances I paint them as tall as a palm tree to
indicate their glory and generosity.
Deepa: You
have exhibited around U.A.E…You are also a member of ARTE and usually display
there too. What is ARTE’s share in helping you to evolve? How has the different
exhibitions helped you to enrich your experience? Any memorable incident that
you would like to share with us?
Fahima: I exhibited my art work in many Galleries
within UAE since 2007. I am also a member of ARTE since
2006 and presented numerous art works through them and made contact with art
lovers. ARTE gave me the opportunity to exhibit my work to a vast number of
people, and it is a great way to assess crowd response to my paintings and the
thoughts behind them. In many cases, I am surprised to see people interpret my
paintings in many different ways which gives me even more ideas to paint and
express my thoughts in different ways.
Deepa: Which is your favourite medium both in
paints and surface?
Fahima: I prefer to paint using Acrylic, as it
dries quickly and changes can be made quickly.
Deepa: Who is your favourite artist(s) and why?
Whose work hangs in your living room/studio space?
Fahima: Leonardo
da Vinci as he was the jack of all trades, an artist, an inventor amongst other
things that inspires many people throughout the past, present and the future.
I
have a number of paintings from various artists, but one that I cherish the
most, is a painting from Mr. Rafa Al Nasiri, a pioneer artist from Iraq.
Deepa: Is marketing important along with artistic
skills? How well do you think that you can market yourself (are you good in
marketing your art)?
Fahima: I
think marketing is immensely important as you need a venue to show your work to
the world. I try to be very active in social media, and attending various art
events where time permits.
Deepa: What
are other interests/likes and/or hobbies?
Fahima: I like to travel and explore different
cultures. Also I like to swim.
Deepa: What would be your advice to aspiring
artists? Any tip or technique to help them develop?
Fahima: My main advice to new aspiring artists is
to always express one’s self, and keep in mind every person has his own taste
in art and always be positive and always seek improvement.
Deepa: Where can my readers reach you? (Blog,
website, Twitter, Facebook)
Fahima: I
am very active in social media where I have a Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
accounts under my name (Fahima Fattah) that I check on regular basis.
Thank you Fahima for taking out your time and sharing your art and thoughts with us in Hues n Shades :)
Wish you the very Best in all your future endeavours!
Pic courtesy: Fahima Fattah
Please do not use/reproduce the content (words as well as images) without the written consent of the artist.
