10 Questions with Djamila Fierek

Djamila Fierek was born and raised in Wiesbaden, Germany, by an Algerian Father and a German Mother. She studied Art at the Wiesbaden Art School and Fine Arts at the Ludwigs-Maximilians-University Munich.

Djamila is a passionate artist who paints vibrant works in mixed media. Based in Munich and Scottsdale, Djamila translates her influences through her vibrant paintings, each of which is set to evoke a positive and emotional response from the observer.

djamilafierekart.com | @djamilafierek

ARTIST STATEMENT

“I regularly ask myself why I am doing art, which drives me to explore the deeper purpose and meaning behind my creative practice. This ongoing self-reflection leads me to the question of what I want to communicate through my work and why it matters. As a result, my current work is more intentional and infused with a sense of purpose. This introspective process forces me to confront my motivations, fears, and desires.

My artwork unfolds organically as I create, guided by intuition rather than a predetermined plan. I start painting with a smudging ceremony and loud music, allowing my instincts and emotions to lead the way. I believe that this spontaneity brings a sense of authenticity and vitality to my work. This process allows the work to grow and change direction freely, resulting in a final piece that feels alive. My process is fluid and open-ended; it's a result of the beauty of letting go and trusting the creative process.”

— Djamila Fierek

INTERVIEW

First of all, what inspired you to become an artist, and how did your upbringing influence your creative journey?

I started to paint when I was 4 years old. My parents supported me at this early age. I went to a special kindergarden, where I learned  different techniques and how to use colors. I got my first canvases and oil colors at the age of 5, so there was no doubt that I will become an artist one day. After finishing school, I went to university to study art, history of art and psychology.

How do your Algerian and German backgrounds shape the themes or styles in your artwork?

I think my Algerian background inspired me to paint massive, extreme women for a long time. I grew up, on the one hand, with hippie parents, very open-minded; on the other hand, inhibited. My subconscious had to combine these two cultures. I grew up in Germany, but I was still bonded to Algeria, which is a totally different culture. It took me a long time to leave the cocoon and express myself in my work. 

Can you describe your artistic process? What elements or rituals help you while working?

My artwork unfolds organically as I create, guided by intuition rather than a predetermined plan. I start painting with a smudging ceremony and loud music, allowing my instincts and emotions to lead the way. I believe that this spontaneity brings a sense of authenticity and vitality to my work. This process allows the work to grow and change direction freely, resulting in a final piece that feels alive. My process is fluid and open-ended; it’s a result of the beauty of letting go and trusting the creative process. 

You use mixed media in your paintings. What materials do you enjoy working with the most, and why?

It depends on the artwork. When I work on an abstract piece, I use different materials like, glass beads, wood, paste, coffee, lava, paper, textured fabrics etc. I love to put different layers on the canvas , so that the structure itself is already interesting. I aim to evoke a sense of complexity and depth. 

You mentioned that your art is driven by intuition. How does this approach help you create vibrant, spontaneous pieces?

The bold, vibrant colors in my work mirror the energy I bring to each piece. They reflect the raw emotions I feel in the moment, whether it’s joy, tension, or calm, which are then captured by the fluid, expressive movements. This freedom to create without boundaries allows me to express myself authentically, leaving space for unexpected textures and forms to emerge. It’s a process of discovery, where the final artwork reveals itself through intuition.

How do you want people to feel when they view your art? Is there a specific emotional response you aim to evoke?

I use vibrant colors and dynamic compositions in my work, in order to provide a sense of energy and emotional intensity in my work. Bright , bold colors have the power to evoke strong emotional responses. I want to create pieces that are visually stimulating, inviting the viewer to explore every corner of the canvas.

You often ask yourself why you create art. What answers have you found through your self-reflection?

The ongoing self-reflection leads me to the question what I want to communicate through my work and why it matters. As a result, my current work is more intensional and infused with a sense of purpose. This introspective process forces me to confront my motivations, fears and desires.

How has your work changed over time as you’ve focused more on the purpose and meaning behind it?

I went through a  few different phases in my career. After I finished my degree in art, I started right away to paint huge, wild, naked women. I think this phase last about about 15 years. One morning, I woke up and knew this phase was over. At this point, I have spent a lot of time in New Orleans, USA. I got involved with the art in Louisiana and started to study the story of Marie Laveaux. She was a voodoo practitioner and healer in the 19th century. The first painting that arose showed devils, skulls, etc. I even built a voodoo altar for a show in a museum in Germany, which included 140 glass jars filled with a lot of crazy stuff. After the exhibition, I felt the negative energy of these containers in my studio and destroyed everything. This was the start of my oversized flowers. The period accompanied me a couple of years until 10 years ago, when I started with pop art. Interestingly enough, that after so many years I came back to a series of naked women, but in a different contest. No more vulnerable, but powerful and  confident.

What do you find most rewarding about the creative process, especially when your work grows and changes direction unexpectedly?

For me, the true excitement lies in the creative process. Painting is a journey where each stroke of the brush brings me closer to something unknown, and I embrace the flow of creation as much as the final result. I love it when the direction of the painting shifts unexpectedly. These moments of surprise are where the real magic happens when the painting begins to guide me rather than the other way around. In the end, the canvas becomes a reflection of both my vision and the spontaneous moments that shaped it. Embracing the unpredictable not only brings joy to the process but also makes each piece one of a kind. 

Lastly, do you have any upcoming projects or exhibitions that you’re excited about?

At the moment I am working on a hotel project in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. It’s a mid-century hotel in an old town. Myartwork is part of the renovation. Besides this project, I am getting ready for a show in New Jersey that is happening in May 2025.

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.