Abu Dhabi-based artist Julia Ibbini’s exhibition Questions of Conditioning - at the Mojo Gallery in Dubai - is a beautiful, multi-layered riot of colour and delicate lines that explores the emotional and intellectual components that form the ‘system’ we live in.
The Jordanian-British artist talks about working in silence, early mornings and her favourite artists.
I have lived… in Abu Dhabi for the past 25 years although I am Jordanian-British. I describe myself as a bit of a mix and I often refer to this through my art.
My art focuses… on a questioning process relating to certain socio-cultural systems around me. Many of my pieces focus on that sense of finding one’s place or of belonging in the world. Questions addressing a sense of identity are often explored - what they mean to me personally as well as in terms of the more universal human struggle for a sense of identity.
My work is… made up of paintings, drawings and photographs that I manipulate using computer programmes. Each piece is then printed on archival papers and re-worked with inks and paint. The work is predominantly digital in its production because of the need to modify it with great speed and regularity. Works typically reflect a certain observation at a certain time. Each individual piece, therefore, is a snapshot of a viewpoint, or an understanding or a questioning.
When it comes to colour… I lean towards the bolder end of the spectrum but it really depends on the inspiration behind each piece.
I spend a lot of time… wandering around, either exploring the streets in the UAE or elsewhere, or taking in what I can find on the internet or in books. Inspiration can come from anywhere, from a scrap of paper to watching my two year old daughter playing.
I love… seeking out other artists, either in person or via the internet. I always feel hugely inspired to know that there are other people out there working hard to make their way through art.
My most inspired time… of day to work is very early in the morning so I’m often pottering about with a sketchbook and a cup of tea from 4am.
I work predominantly… in my home studio. My initial process of working up ideas and developing them on the computer is usually done in total silence without any distractions. The latter half of the process, which is all about reworking the pieces and adding paint on top, is usually done in front of the TV with a good film on.
I always wanted to be… an artist. It’s hard to try and do something that isn’t really considered a typical career path though so I worked in marketing before getting back into the arts about five years ago. Although I learnt some invaluable skills in my marketing career, there was always something missing and then one day I woke up and realised that art needed to be in my life in one way or other. I live and breathe art now.
There are so many artists… that I admire! I love Dexter Dalwood’s strange compositions, Hazel Dooney for her rebelliousness, Grayson Perry for his personality as well as his stunning and often dark ceramic works. I love the scale of Julie Mehretu’s pieces, the delicateness of Laura Splan’s works and Susan Hiller for her courage.
My most recent exhibition… is called Questions of Conditioning and runs until October 30 at Mojo Gallery in Dubai.
For more information visit www.ibbini.com or www.themojogallery.com
