10 Questions with Hadeel Alzoubi

Hadeel AlZoubi is a contemporary artist based in Toronto. She was born in Jordan in 1983 and raised in several countries, including Oman, India, Libya, and Sri Lanka. She developed an appreciation for the various cultural experiences, which translated into a passion for art. Hadeel is committed to working with diverse techniques and mediums to create art that explores subject matters that resonate with her.

Hadeel’s artistic journey is a constant exploration of mediums and techniques. She thrives on pushing the boundaries of artistic expression by incorporating a diverse array of materials, such as gold dust, acrylic paints, feathers, modeling paste, fabric, and concrete, into her creations.

In her most recent collection, “Mindscape”, Hadeel explores the human experience of navigating the evolving environment we live in. She explores the concept of bridging different states of affairs to offer an escape from the complexities of modern life.

In the “Repose” series, Hadeel creates abstract acrylic on canvas paintings that capture the essence of the human mind coping with the complexities of our environment. Bold colors and expressive brushstrokes become vehicles for conveying the constant movement and change that defines our lives.

Beyond traditional mediums, Hadeel's “Perplex” series comprises mixed-media sculptural pieces that stand as testaments to her commitment to innovation. Materials like concrete and holographic glitter are chosen not just for their aesthetics but rather as tools to build layers and textures that symbolize the tranquility we seek in the turbulent currents of our changing world.

Ultimately, Hadeel's art is an invitation to transcend the chaos of modern life and find solace in the simplicity of her creations. Her work speaks to those who feel overwhelmed by the constant change of our modern world and who yearn to regain a sense of control.

www.hadeelalzoubi.art | @hadeelalzoubi.art

INTERVIEW

Growing up in various countries, including Jordan, Oman, India, Libya, and Sri Lanka, must have exposed you to diverse cultural experiences. How does this rich cultural background influence and shape your artistic expression?

The exposure to various cultures made me realize that art exists in several forms and can be achieved using countless mediums. Observing various elements such as motifs, patterns, rugs, and traditional clothing drew my attention to the fact that art is all around us; art is not solely sculptures and paintings displayed in museums and galleries.
This perspective developed a desire to explore and study multiple ways to create art about subject matters that resonate with me as an artist. 

Ultimately, how did you develop into the artist you are today?

Developing into the artist I am today was possible by maintaining an open mind to new experiences and embracing change. 
My journey with art started in high school as a member of the art club, where I participated in my first group exhibition in 1999. When I attended university to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering, I was also a member of the art club and participated in exhibitions and art contests on campus and in Jordan between the years 2000 and 2005.
After that, life took a different turn. I got married in 2009, moved to Saudi Arabia, and was blessed with my first daughter. This new chapter brought new experiences, both cultural and personal. Determined to improve my artistic skills and knowledge, I started taking different art courses. Some courses were specific to traditional mediums, such as oil paints, while others covered a diverse range of techniques and mediums.
The most recent chapter of my journey took me to Canada, where I finally earned a degree in Studio Arts with honors. Moving to a new location, again, presented a new set of experiences and encounters that added to my personal and artistic growth.
Furthermore, all those experiences and exposures highlighted the uniqueness of individuals I meet, confirming the idea that artwork becomes distinctive when it echoes one's unique personality. Hence, it became essential that my work reflects my perspective, preferences, and experiences.

Let's now talk about your work. The Repose series captures the essence of the human mind coping with the complexities of our environment. To do so, you use 'bold colors and expressive brushstrokes that convey the constant movement and change that define our lives,' as you mention in your statement. How did you develop this concept, and how did you develop this style for the series? 

Tapping into the unseen was the first step towards exploring abstraction to create the 'Repose' series. Initially, I had to take note of the diverse challenges we face in the contemporary world and then narrow those challenges to categories that can be presented as a set of plains or horizons. 
I summarized the human experience as essentially being a combination of internal and external circumstances that define the choices we make. Hence, 'Repose' became an expression of our existence in the form of distinct plains that are connected yet somewhat separated by principle. 
I started exploring the concept on small canvas sheets with acrylic paints to understand how to achieve different effects to convey movement and change to deliver the message intended for this series. 
To create the final paintings, I would sketch out a plan and choose a colour palette while taking into consideration aspects of colour theory, such as colour schemes and values, to create a unified piece that invites the audience to constantly explore the work.

On the contrary, your Perplex series comprises mixed-media sculptural pieces, incorporating materials like concrete and holographic glitter. How did you choose these materials, and how much experimentation did it take you to achieve the final result? 

Exploring mediums, techniques, and tools is a means for originality, and I wanted to utilize unconventional mediums for 'Perplex.' 
'Perplex' is a result of many lessons learnt from unsuccessful attempts to create a reflection of what I want the work to represent. And because 'Perplex' is meant to convey the idea of seeking stability in an evolving environment, it was essential that I understand my subject matter, select my keywords carefully, and employ the right mediums that convey the message clearly.
Hence, the key terms for 'Perplex' became "Stability" and "Change". For "Stability", I searched for mediums that suggest weight and solidity; I tried working with various mediums such as modelling paste, gessoed fabric, and clay until I finally decided to try concrete for its industrial durable composition. Concrete was a successful medium as it did visually convey a sense of weight and stability.
The second part was to find "Change". For 'Perplex', change meant changing or shifting colour on a solid textured surface. Here, I experimented with mediums such as holographic vinyl sheets, chameleon pigments, silver and gold dust, and finally, holographic glitter. Most of these medium choices seemed to create an aesthetic that aligned with my personal aesthetic choices and preferences. 

Your commitment to innovation is evident in the choice of unconventional materials. How do you approach the creative process when working with materials like concrete and glitter, and what message or emotion do you aim to convey through these unique choices?

Incorporating concrete and glitter into my work was a deliberate choice driven by a desire to challenge traditional standards of artmaking while paving my own artistic path. 
Concrete, with its industrial nature, symbolizes strength, endurance, and resilience. It adds texture and a sense of solidity to the artwork. Working with concrete involves moulding, shaping, and painting its surface. On the other hand, the light-catching properties of holographic glitter create a dynamic and visually engaging surface. The contrast between the solid industrial texture and the delicate shimmer of the surface aims to evoke a need for balance and stability in constant change.

What inspires you the most when embarking on a new artistic project? Are there any specific themes, experiences, or emotions that consistently drive your creative process?

Observing the beauty around us serves as an open source of inspiration that drives me to explore new and creative ways to make art. 
Moreover, for me, art is often a form of expression and reflection on subjects that resonate with me on a profound level. Having the passion to explore various ways to create something new transforms my creative process into a dialogue with the world as I seek to capture and represent a simplified reflection of emotional depth and meaning.

Your art is described as an invitation to transcend the chaos of modern life and find solace in simplicity. How do you hope your creations resonate with those overwhelmed by the constant change of our modern world?

By inviting the viewers to take a moment to explore the movement and layers in both 'Repose' and 'Perplex', I hope to offer them a moment to disconnect from the complexities of the contemporary world and find relief in the simplicity of my creations. In taking a step back from what consumes us most, my aim is to open the viewers' eyes to different perspectives and hence inspire alternative ways to overcome challenges.

In your artworks, do you intentionally incorporate symbolic elements or themes? How do you choose the symbols or metaphors to incorporate into your work?

Yes, incorporating symbolic elements or themes is an important aspect of my artistic process. When working with intangible subjects like the 'Mindscape', finding the right symbols becomes a guiding tool towards selecting the right mediums to deliver the intended message. 
To identify these symbols, I try to fully understand my subject matter by studying and exploring the narratives, concepts, and emotions associated with the theme.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations as an artist? Are there particular themes or techniques you are eager to explore in the future, and how do you envision the evolution of your artistic vision over time?

I aspire to explore deeper into subject matters that personally resonate with me, allowing my art to be a genuine expression of my observations and objectives. Additionally, I am eager to constantly explore new techniques and artistic approaches. Whether it involves experimenting with unconventional mediums or refining existing skills, I think of the evolution of my artistic vision as an ongoing process. By staying open to new ideas and remaining dedicated to authentic self-expression, I aim to create art that not only echoes my personality but also establishes a meaningful connection with the audience.

And lastly, what are you working on now? Do you have any new projects or exhibitions you want to share with our readers?

I am currently working on a new addition to the 'Mindscape' collection—a series of sculptures titled 'Silent Strengths.' This project draws inspiration from observing that, over time, we tend to adapt to the constant challenges and burdens we experience. 
To convey this idea, I have chosen water-based clay and feathers painted with colour-shifting pigments. The water-based clay symbolizes stability and resilience, while the colour-shifting feathers represent adaptability to change. Through this combination of mediums, 'Silent Strengths' seeks to capture the idea of finding peace through life's ongoing change.

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.