10 Questions with Asiya Al. Sharabi

Asiya Al. Sharabi is a Yemeni/American visual artist whose work has gained recognition both nationally and internationally. Currently based in the US, she initiated her career as a journalist and photographer before shifting her focus to artistic photography. Her artistry is rooted in capturing the challenges faced by Middle Eastern women, young adults, and immigrants, a perspective that profoundly influences her creations.

Her artistic expression thrives through photography, alternative photographer processes, and innovative techniques like collage and inverse negative prints. These methods not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of her creations but also delve into the profound struggles experienced by people. Through her art, Asiya explores the intricate interplay of politics, culture, and religion, shaping the identities of women, young adults, and immigrants. She has been featured in various publications, including Richmond Magazine, PBS NewsHour, and RVA Magazine. Additionally, her artwork was showcased on the cover of Yemen Today magazine in celebration of International Women's Day.

Embarking on a deeply personal exploration of the narrative woven by her late mother, Asiya's series "My Mother's Tender Script" unveils a journey shaped by relentless hardship and early responsibilities. Bereaved by widowhood at 15, her mother remarried Asiya's father at 17, finding solace and expression in the kitchen amidst a world that denied her a proper education and childhood. Despite these challenges, her mother's resilient spirit and longing for connection, particularly with Asiya's father, were evident in the pages of her phone notebook. Inspired by her profound narrative, Asiya employed the 'Resino-Pigmentype' technique, merging painting, printmaking, and photography into a singular process. Through this innovative approach, she aims to highlight not only her mother's resilience but also the enduring challenges faced by Yemeni women, particularly amidst the staggering illiteracy crisis. As a visual artist, Asiya is compelled to advocate for change and awareness, shedding light on the untold stories of resilience and determination within marginalized communities.

www.asiyaart.com | @asiyaart

INTERVIEW

Can you tell us about your background and how you transitioned from being a journalist and photographer to focusing on artistic photography?

Growing up in Yemen, my options were limited, especially as a woman. Pursuing a career in journalism and photography meant navigating through dangerous territories, both physically and socially. The streets were a place of constant tension and resistance. As a woman with a camera, I was seen as a threat to societal norms and traditions. My presence challenged the status quo, sparking disapproval and even anger from some.
Amidst these challenges, I found solace and inspiration in the world of artistic photography. Here, I discovered a realm of creative freedom that was absent in the confines of journalistic storytelling. Artistic photography offered me the opportunity to express myself without the constraints of strict guidelines and objectives. It allowed me to experiment and delve into personal themes, emotions, and narratives that were often overlooked in the pursuit of news. Transitioning from journalism to artistic photography was not just a career move; it was a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. 
While the transition was not without its challenges, it ultimately aligned with my long-term career aspirations. It opened doors to greater artistic growth and recognition within the art world. Today, my focus on artistic photography represents a shift towards embracing creative freedom, personal expression, and the pursuit of deeper meaning and impact through visual storytelling.
In addition, I often found myself unsatisfied after capturing a photograph in the traditional journalistic sense. Despite capturing powerful moments, I felt compelled to inject more of myself into the process. This led me to experiment with alternative processes and techniques, seeking to infuse my personal touch and perspective into each image. However, the constraints of working as a journalist often limited my ability to fully explore these creative impulses. The transition to artistic photography has allowed me the freedom to indulge in these alternative processes fully, enabling me to create work that truly reflects my vision and identity as an artist.

As an artist advocating for change and awareness, what role does art play in addressing societal issues?

For me, art is not just about aesthetics; it's a means of communication, a channel for expressing the realities and struggles of marginalized communities. I strive to capture the essence of social issues, whether it's the plight of immigrants or the resilience of those facing adversity. Each image serves as a visual narrative, inviting viewers to delve deeper into the complexities of these issues and sparking conversations that can lead to meaningful change. Beyond raising awareness, I believe art has the power to mobilize communities and inspire action. 

As you mention in your statement, your art addresses the challenges faced by Middle Eastern women, young adults, and immigrants. What influenced your decision to explore these themes?

The decision to explore these challenges in my artwork stems from a deeply personal connection to these experiences. Growing up in Yemen and later immigrating to the United States, I witnessed firsthand the struggles and obstacles that individuals from these communities encounter on a daily basis, starting from my own family. These experiences left a profound impact on me and shaped my perspective as both an artist and an individual.

Could you elaborate on the alternative photography processes and innovative techniques you use, such as collage and inverse negative prints, and how they contribute to conveying the struggles experienced by people?

Alternative processes like collage and inverse negative prints allow me to convey the complexities of human experience in visually compelling ways. Collage enables me to layer images and materials, while inverse negative prints challenge perceptions and assumptions. These techniques add depth and symbolism to my work, evoking curiosity and sparking dialogue on societal struggles.

Let's discuss your series, "My Mother's Tender Script." It seems deeply personal and emotionally resonant. What inspired you to explore your late mother's narrative?

"My Mother's Tender Script" series represents a profound exploration of my late mother's narrative and the enduring impact of her life experiences on my own journey as an artist.
The inspiration to delve into my mother's narrative stemmed from a deep sense of longing to reconnect with her and to honor her memory in a meaningful way. Despite her passing, her presence and influence continued to shape my identity and creative expression. I felt compelled to unravel the layers of her story, uncover the complexities of her life, and preserve her legacy through my art.
My mother's story was one of relentless hardship and early responsibilities. From being widowed at a young age to finding solace in the kitchen amidst a world that denied her a proper education and childhood, her resilience and determination were evident in every aspect of her life. Despite facing numerous challenges, she remained steadfast in her pursuit of connection and expression, as evidenced by the pages of her phone notebook where she documented her thoughts and musings.
Inspired by her profound narrative, I embarked on a deeply personal journey of artistic exploration. Through the innovative 'Resino-Pigmentype' technique, which merges painting, printmaking, and photography into a singular process, I sought to capture the essence of her resilience and the enduring challenges faced by Yemeni women, particularly amidst the staggering illiteracy crisis.
In essence, the series "My Mother's Tender Script" is a tribute to my mother's unwavering spirit and a testament to the transformative power of art to preserve and honor the stories of those we hold dear. 

How did you merge painting, printmaking, and photography into the 'Resino-Pigmentype' technique for your series? What do you hope viewers take away from experiencing this innovative approach?

I seamlessly integrated my mother's delicate drawings and writings from her phone notebook into the Resino-Pigmentype technique. This involved transforming a black-and-white print of my parents from the late 1970s into an enlarged negative and infusing her personal expressions directly onto the surface before employing the Resino-Pigmentype process.
The Resino-Pigmentype technique, invented by Alphonse Poitevin in the mid-nineteenth century, merges painting, printmaking, and photography into a single process. It involves intricate stages such as chemical preparation, paper sensitizing, exposition, washing, swelling, powdering dry pigment over the surface, and retouching with a soft brush. Through this meticulous approach, I aimed to imbue each artwork with layers of meaning and symbolism, reflecting the complexity of my mother's narrative and the broader social issues it represents, such as illiteracy in Yemen.
I hope viewers appreciate the depth of emotion and connection conveyed through this process, fostering empathy and understanding for the themes of resilience, memory, and human connection explored in the series.

Your artwork has been featured in various publications and showcased on magazine covers. How do you feel about your work's recognition, particularly in shedding light on marginalized communities?

The recognition of my artwork is humbling and validates efforts to shed light on marginalized communities. It serves as a platform to amplify their voices, sparking meaningful conversations and inspiring positive change. Grateful for the opportunity to contribute to greater awareness and understanding through art.

Can you discuss any upcoming projects or exhibitions you're working on?

Currently, my series "My Mother's Tender Script" is showcased in exhibitions and publications, with plans to expand it into a book. Additionally, I'm documenting the experiences of my immigrant family in a new project, exploring themes of identity and adaptation in contemporary society. 

How do you see your art evolving in the future, especially regarding the themes and techniques you explore?

I envision delving deeper into themes of identity, advocacy, and social change while experimenting with mixed media techniques to push the boundaries of traditional image-making. My art will continue to evolve as a dynamic reflection of societal issues and personal narratives, aiming to inspire dialogue, empathy, and action for a more just and equitable world. I aspire to bridge the past, present, and future through my work, crafting narratives that not only tell stories but also offer insights into current realities while envisioning possibilities for the future.

Finally, what advice would you give aspiring artists who want to use their art to highlight important social issues?

Identify social issues you're passionate about and educate yourself on their complexities. Stay true to your artistic vision, be persistent in your efforts, and remember the transformative power of art to inspire meaningful change in the world. Let go of limitations – art doesn't need funds, location, nationality, or gender to thrive. 

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.