Imagine you are an established artist while you are still in your early twenties and people are enquiring about you and placing orders for your work.
That is how it is for Noura Masri, who just turned 25, and finds the whole subject overwhelming and unexpected.
The young artist is already an established name in the UAE and has been compared to such famous artists as Picasso.
I visited Masri at her home recently where she displayed some of her paintings that will be exhibited on May 24 at Bin Hendi Avenue, Deira City Centre. Masri, who is very shy and humble, talked about how she never really took her art work very seriously.
"Painting for me is more of a hobby and right now I am just interested to see how people react to my work," said Masri. "I'm looking forward to receiving some feedback from visitors."
Masri started sketching when she was just 4 or 5 years old. She took up painting at the age of 12 and it all took off a year later when she took part in her first group exhibition.
She found the experience encouraging and has since taken part in various exhibitions.
Masri does not like to label her work because she feels she should not be restricted when it comes to style, and that is what makes her work unique.
"I don't have a particular style. Some label it expressionist, others describe it as impressionist. The point of art is to be open-minded and able to experience different things," said Masri.
What she does say about her work is that it starts off realistically and then progresses into the realm of fantasy.
"Style is not something which you plan, it is an analytical process as you move along. I never plan what I will paint, I get ideas in different ways," she said.
Masri sometimes gets her inspiration from dreams. She may see something and if the image sticks in her mind she paints it.
It sometimes takes her just a few hours to do a painting from start to finish. Once she begins, she cannot stop. She always feels the need to complete it straight away, otherwise the mood will be lost.
The young artist was discovered by Petra Mueller, director of Merchant E. Media in Dubai, during an exhibition at the Courtyard Gallery two years ago.
"I visited an exhibition in Dubai and I noticed some paintings really stood out. I immediately had to find out who the artist was; the paintings were amazing," said Mueller.
Once the exhibition in Dubai is over, Masri's work will be introduced in Paris next spring, then in London and New York.
"I honestly did not imagine I would have someone manage my work. Paris should be fun because there is always curiosity around new and different art," said Masri.
Masri is now looking at new ways to develop her work, including incorporating some short stories into her paintings.
The exhibition
- Artist: Noura Masri
- Date: May 24 to 31
- Venue: Bin Hendi Avenue, Deira City Centre.
- Time: 8pm.
Paintings for sale
There will be at least 40 original Noura Masri paintings for sale during the exhibition. Prices of original paintings will be Dh6,000 to Dh10,000. Prices for limited edition posters will be Dh300 to Dh400. Postcards may also be available during the event.
