10 Questions with Noura Alnasser
Her name Noura Al-Nasser. Her father named her after her grandmother, and her name means light. As for Al-Nasser, it means victorious in Arabic, so her full name means the light of the victorious, and that is what she likes to be called. Her mother is an artist who is skilled in crochet, drawing, and writing poetry, and admires art of all kinds.
She was born left-handed with hands of gold! She naturally had beautiful handwriting; she remembered very well at the age of nine when children at school were gathering at her desk in class, asking her to write their names on their textbooks.
She was bullied when she was a kid because of her overweight. She was broken and sad. She doesn't know why people hate her if they don't like her body. Later, she tried for ten years to get rid of the accumulated fat, but she failed. She felt weak and disappointed in herself. She decided to escape from this cruel world; she fled as usual to art, where she met "The Ashers," who became, and still are, her friends.
When she was a teenager, someone drew his cold weapon against her; her life was at stake. Life in its details seemed worthless to her. She miraculously survived, and from that moment, she vowed not to take from this life anything but joy and to make better use of her days and her life.
Noura Alnasser - Portrait
At the age of fifteen, she published her blog on the Internet. She considered it her secret hideout. Her blog was her only shot to be heard in that masculine world that did not see or hear me as an adult.
On a peaceful day, while she was drawing and designing through her devices, a crazy person who was not sober came to her and tried to rob her devices; she was terrified. She cried and strongly refused to hand it over to him to protect and defend the artistic legacy that her devices have. He got mad at her and broke her devices in front of her eyes. Not only did he break her devices, but he broke her heart with them. It was like the straw that broke the camel's back. She felt that life was going against her. After that, thoughts and whispers devoured her, and she forcibly entered the terrifying tunnel of depression in her early youth.
Volunteering was her best friend. When she was sixteen, she started helping children develop their artistic and cultural skills. Volunteering helped her understand herself and develop her skills, and through it, she knew the value of giving.
She always feel thirsty for success and achievement. By the age of twenty-five, she established seven different types of businesses, all of which ended in failure. She then realized that she was born for creativity and art, not for selling things that do not look like her .
She mastered Arabic calligraphy, painting, sculpture and graphic design of all types, and she admire photography, and her passion led her in the past to learn and make cartoon films. Her journey of development in art has not, and will not, stop here. She is learning at her home in Riyadh every day, and she travels the world to inhale art from every culture.
Behold, I am near, acrylic, 30x50 cm, 2023 © Noura Alnasser
INTERVIEW
First of all, can you share a bit about your background and upbringing, particularly how growing up with an artist mother influenced your own creative journey?
I feel incredibly fortunate that art runs in my veins. Growing up surrounded by my mother's creative endeavors, where she transformed discarded items into captivating artworks that adorned our home, I was instilled with a deep appreciation for the artistic realm. However, despite being born with this innate talent, it took me a journey of self-discovery, diverse experiences, and a series of over seven unsuccessful business ventures to realize my true calling as an artist.
From a young age, I possessed a natural flair for calligraphy. I vividly recall being the center of attention at my elementary school desk at the tender age of nine, with classmates eagerly lining up to have their names inscribed on their textbooks in my distinctive handwriting. My artistic pursuits extended to poetry, painting, and dance, and I mastered graphic design at an early stage. Additionally, I delved into the world of animation, honing my skills in creating captivating cartoons.
On a personal note, my childhood and adolescence were marked by a struggle with self-acceptance and a sense of invisibility. My weight became a source of bullying, leading me to withdraw from social interactions and succumb to a period of depression.
As I reflect on my formative years, I recognize that the experiences, skills, and personal challenges I faced were, in a way, shaping and preparing me for my future as a professional artist.
Condolences, acrylic, 60x90 cm, 2023 © Noura Alnasser
What studies or training have you pursued to develop your skills in calligraphy, painting, and sculpture?
A cornerstone of my life has been my unwavering commitment to self-directed learning. I am a firm believer in the power of experiential learning, embracing the 'learning by doing' approach. This has led me to embark on a continuous journey of knowledge acquisition, utilizing online resources, engaging in diverse courses, and immersing myself in various cultures.
My thirst for knowledge has taken me to nearly ten countries, where I have had the privilege of learning from renowned artists around the globe. These experiences have enriched my artistic perspective and broadened my creative horizons.
I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to have studied Arabic calligraphy under the esteemed guidance of calligrapher Zaki Al Hashimi in Riyadh. Additionally, my sojourn in the United States allowed me to delve into the art of sculpting, mentored by a renowned Argentinian sculptor.
My belief in lifelong learning is deeply ingrained in my philosophy. I am convinced that the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth is an unending journey that extends far beyond the confines of formal education. Every day presents an opportunity to expand my horizons, refine my skills, and deepen my understanding of the world around me.
This unwavering commitment to continuous improvement drives me to seek out new challenges, embrace diverse perspectives, and continuously push the boundaries of my artistic endeavors. I am confident that this passion for self-growth will remain a constant throughout my life, propelling me toward excellence in all aspects of my artistic pursuits.
When you approach a new project, how do you decide which medium to use, and how do you integrate them into your creative process?
I am driven by a perpetual state of inspiration, with my artistic senses perpetually on high alert. When embarking on a new project, I surrender to my artistic intuition, allowing it to guide me in selecting the most appropriate medium to express my creative vision. This intuitive approach is not without its considerations, as I carefully factor in the project's purpose, duration, and the intended message I aim to convey.
My artistic intuition plays a pivotal role in determining the medium I choose for each project. I believe that the medium serves as a vessel for the message, and the selection process is an intricate dance between artistic expression and effective communication.
For instance, if the project's objective is to evoke a sense of tranquility and introspection, I might opt for the delicate strokes of a watercolor painting. Conversely, if the goal is to convey a message of boldness and energy, I might gravitate towards the vibrant hues and expressive strokes of an acrylic painting.
While intuition serves as my primary compass, I also consider practical factors such as the project's timeline and the intended audience. For time-sensitive projects, I might choose a medium that allows for rapid execution, while for projects targeting a specific audience, I carefully consider their cultural context and preferences.
I’m the world, acrylic, 50x70 cm, 2023 © Noura Alnasser
Scars, acrylic, 50x75 cm, 2023 © Noura Alnasser
Can you describe your creative process when working with different mediums? How do you choose the words and phrases to incorporate into your art?
At the heart of my artistic process lies an unwavering belief in the power of emotional connection. I firmly believe that a profound emotional resonance between myself and the artwork is a prerequisite for embarking on any creative endeavor. This connection can manifest naturally or be cultivated through conscious effort.
This emotional bond serves as the catalyst for my creative spark, igniting passion, energy, and a deep-seated drive to produce work that transcends expectations. When I approach my work with this emotional connection, my mind becomes a boundless wellspring of artistic ideas, each one contributing to the overall tapestry of the artwork.
While my artistic journey is marked by periods of intense inspiration, there are also moments when creativity seems to elude me. During these times, I recognize the importance of stepping away from the immediate task and immersing myself in diverse experiences. This often involves exploring new environments, engaging in stimulating conversations, or simply taking time for introspection.
In addition to these personal recharging strategies, I find that actively engaging with the works of other artists and designers serves as a powerful tool for rekindling my own creative spark. By immersing myself in the artistic expressions of others, I am constantly challenged and inspired, allowing my own creativity to flourish.
What themes or concepts do you typically explore in your artwork, and how do you express them through calligraphy, painting, and sculpture?
Thoughts
When the thoughts were trying to kill me, I was one step ahead of them, and I controlled them. I'm drawing to release my thoughts in a safe way.
Rebel
I found myself in a world that operated according to strict rules; art allowed me to create my own world, and art is the only place that encourage me to make mistakes.
Existence
My number is eight out of eleven siblings in my family, and this is one of the many reasons why I am invisible. Art has always been my tongue that tells the world I am here.
The Idiot, acrylic, 35x50 cm, 2023 © Noura Alnasser
How do you find inspiration for your artistic projects, and how do you translate that inspiration into tangible works of art?
My artistic journey has been shaped by a tapestry of experiences, both joyous and challenging. While life has presented me with its share of hardships, I have discovered that these moments of adversity serve as a powerful catalyst for my artistic expression.
I believe that art possesses the transformative power to channel pain and emotion into something beautiful and meaningful. Through my artwork, I strive to give voice to the experiences that have shaped me, offering a cathartic release for myself and a glimpse into the depths of the human experience for my audience.
My artistic expression extends beyond the confines of my personal experiences. I am deeply moved by the stories of others, finding inspiration in their resilience, struggles, and triumphs. These shared experiences provide a rich source of material for my artwork, allowing me to connect with my audience on a deeper emotional level.
Travel and the exploration of new cultures have also been instrumental in fueling my creative fire. Immersing myself in diverse environments, interacting with people from different walks of life, and experiencing the beauty of the world around me constantly broaden my artistic horizons. These experiences provide a fresh perspective, inspiring me to push the boundaries of my creativity and explore new artistic avenues.
What are some challenges you've encountered in your artistic practice, and how do you overcome them?
The creative process is an intricate dance between inspiration, execution, and the inevitable ebb and flow of emotions. While I wholeheartedly embrace the positive aspects of artistic creation, I also acknowledge the challenges that arise when emotions run high or the desired outcome eludes my grasp.
One of the most common frustrations I encounter is the gap between my artistic vision and the tangible reality of the artwork. The mind's eye can conjure up breathtaking images, but translating those visions into physical form can be a humbling experience. When the final product falls short of my expectations, it's easy to feel discouraged.
As an artist who actively engages with social media, I've also experienced the sting of disappointment when my creative efforts fail to receive the anticipated level of engagement. Pouring hours into crafting content and seeing it met with limited interaction can be disheartening. However, I've learned to approach these moments as opportunities for growth, seeking feedback and refining my strategies to better connect with my audience.
Deadlines, while essential in the professional world, can also introduce an element of stress and anxiety into the creative process. The ticking clock can amplify the pressure to produce high-quality work within a constrained timeframe, sometimes leading to feelings of overwhelm and self-doubt.
Despite these challenges, I firmly believe that my artistic journey is a continuous process of personal growth and development. Each obstacle I encounter teaches me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of self-compassion.
Layers, acrylic, 80x80 cm, 2023 © Noura Alnasser
Joyful Drowning, acrylic, 80x80 cm, 2023 © Noura Alnasser
Are there any new techniques or mediums you're interested in exploring in future projects?
My artistic journey is a continuous voyage of discovery and exploration, driven by an insatiable curiosity and a passion for pushing the boundaries of creative expression. While I have delved into various artistic disciplines, my current focus lies in two exciting areas:
Venturing into Conceptual Art:
Conceptual art has captivated me with its ability to transcend traditional artistic forms, challenge perceptions, and invite viewers to engage with the work on a deeper intellectual level. I am eager to explore this realm, utilizing my artistic skills to create thought-provoking pieces that spark meaningful conversations and challenge societal norms.
A Fusion of Art, Dance, and Theater:
I am also deeply intrigued by the potential to merge the disciplines of art, dance, and theater into a unique and captivating performance experience. This fusion of artistic expression holds immense promise for conveying emotions, storytelling, and captivating audiences in a truly immersive manner.
In the realm of Arabic calligraphy, my pursuit of knowledge continues. I am currently delving into the intricacies of calligraphy styles I have yet to master, fascinated by the rich history and expressive power of this art form.
My ambition extends beyond mastering existing calligraphy styles; I aspire to create my own unique Arabic calligraphy style. This endeavor requires a deep understanding of Arabic script, a keen eye for aesthetics, and the courage to break free from traditional conventions.
Can you share any details about your upcoming projects or exhibitions that you're excited about?
My artistic interests extend beyond my personal practice, as I am an avid enthusiast of Arabic calligraphy exhibitions. I find these events to be a rare and precious opportunity to immerse myself in the beauty and artistry of this unique art form.
In my hometown of Riyadh, I regularly attend Arabic calligraphy exhibitions, eager to witness the latest works and engage with fellow calligraphy enthusiasts. These exhibitions provide a rich source of inspiration and allow me to expand my understanding of the ever-evolving world of Arabic calligraphy.
My passion for art exhibitions extends beyond my own city limits. I am currently planning a trip to Amsterdam to visit the Frans Hals exhibition, intrigued by the opportunity to experience the works of this renowned Dutch Golden Age painter.
In addition, as an admirer of Pop Art, I am also planning a visit to Vienna to attend the Roy Lichtenstein exhibition. Lichtenstein's bold and iconic works have long captivated me, and I am eager to see them in person.
Resisted again, acrylic, 80x80 cm, 2023 © Noura Alnasser
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals or aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to continue growing and evolving in your practice?
At the heart of my artistic aspirations lies an unwavering commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. I believe that art is a lifelong journey of exploration, and I am dedicated to expanding my knowledge, refining my skills, and pushing the boundaries of my creative expression.
In today's digital age, I recognize the power of social media to connect with a wider audience and share my artistic passion. I am actively engaged in building a strong social media presence, utilizing my platforms to showcase my artwork and engage with art enthusiasts and non-art enthusiasts alike.
As an artist deeply rooted in my Saudi Arabian heritage, I am fascinated by the rich tapestry of cultural traditions, stories, and experiences that shape my identity. I am committed to incorporating these elements into my artwork, aiming to bridge the gap between art and the general public, particularly those who may not have a strong interest in art.
One of my long-term goals is to curate and host independent art exhibitions showcasing my own work and the works of other emerging artists. I envision these exhibitions as platforms for experimentation, innovation, and community engagement, providing a space for artists and art lovers to connect and explore the transformative power of art.
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.
