Watch out for her solo exhibition coming soon
Emirati artist Hessa Almansoori is not only renowned for her sustainable pieces of art but also for giving back to the local community.
Art has been at the centre of Emirati artist Hessa Almansoori’s life since she was a little girl.
“I never stopped playing, never stopped creating things,” she says. “However, I began to take my art seriously during the pandemic and I began receiving positive responses to the artwork I was posting on social media.”
Filming the process of how art is created and posting the results on Snapchat, Hessa quickly acquired a sizeable audience looking to relieve their boredom during the pandemic.
“People wanted to learn new skills and not waste their time during lockdown,” she says.
Once restrictions were lifted, people were eager to continue the impromptu online workshops but this time face-to-face.
Today, the Emirati artist is active in the local community, hosting hands-on workshops in Majlises across the capital, even recently organising a workshop with the Presidential Court.
“I love giving back, relishing every chance I can get to do something with people and to introduce them to art,” she says.
Through the community-based workshops, Hessa uses her artistic talents to teach children and adults how they can upcycle items through painting designs on fabric, old bags, jackets and so on.
“Basically, it’s anything you can get your hands on and can customise with amazing and personalised artwork,” she says.
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It is difficult to believe after viewing her unique pieces of artwork that Hessa majored in Political Science at university as opposed to studying art.
“There’s no connection between the two,” says Hessa, referring to the response of people when they learn she majored in the former.
“I disagree. In fact, there is a big connection since at the heart of Political Science is community, not to mention history.”
Emirati heritage is another factor that motivates Hessa.
“It’s something that I want to capture in my work.” I just channel my thoughts and my feelings through art; I cannot escape being an Emirati and representing my art,” she says, adding how it’s part of her identity, part of the people that are around her, all of which affect how she look at things and how she paints.
Hessa’s artistic talents also extend to embroidery and digital art.
“I don’t have a specific niche. I can put my hand to a little bit of everything; I’m curious and love discovering new skills.”
Working with oil and acrylics too, Hessa is currently working on producing work for a solo art exhibition whose dates are yet to be revealed. Stay tuned to yallaabudhabi.com for further details.
See more of Hessa Almansoori artwork on her Instagram page, @artxxiety
For more news on Abu Dhabi’s art scene, visit Yalla Art
