In the past few years, Abu Dhabi has been quietly enjoying something of an artistic revolution. The arrival of Picassos, Pollocks and Warhols on the walls of the city’s galleries has seen the old image of a cultural wasteland all but banished, while extravagant plans for world-beating art galleries on Saadiyat Island have established the capital as the cultural focus of the Middle East. However, the emergence of credible home-grown talent is arguably even more significant. And as the first Emirati artist to be headhunted by London-based auction house Sotheby’s, Fatema Al Mazrouie is leading the charge.
What are the main messages behind your work? Is there a stand-out theme?
For the past four years or so, my work has been about women. I care about every inch of that; talking about women, traditions, culture, Islam – what Islam gives a woman. I’m not talking about Emirati women only. I’m talking about all Muslim women around the world.
Are there any feminist icons who have inspired you?
I did a painting for a Turkish actress called Türkan Soray. I watched all her movies that she did in the ’60s and ’70s. I like the way she works, the beauty she has and her attitude. I also care about women who have studied and received degrees, especially during the ’60s and ’70s.
How difficult is it for a female artist to succeed in Abu Dhabi?
In the beginning, I did experience some difficulties in exhibiting my work. My older sister faced this a lot, because she is an artist too. But this period is finished now, in my opinion. In the past two or three years, Abu Dhabi has grown so much culturally. Even beginner artists can have a chance to exhibit now, whereas five years ago it was impossible for them to do so. Since people here have really started to care about cultural issues, I have had a lot of chances. Everyone cares about art now. When you face difficulties, it means you really need to improve yourself. Artists who have really good work to show will rarely face difficulties. But it’s not about other people’s opinions of your work; as long as you improve then you can face society with whatever you have.
Are you excited about the developments on Saadiyat Island? Do you aspire to one day appear in Abu Dhabi’s Guggenheim?
Yes – I’m preparing for this in an academic and artistic way. I’m planning to take a masters degree, so that after two or three years I’m at the point where I can create the sort of artwork they need.
How much time do you currently spend working as an artist? Is it a full-time profession?
When I go to my studio I don’t care about the time – I can be there until five in the afternoon or 10 in the evening, if I have enough work to do. I’ll spend a lot of time working if I have an exhibition and I need to finish painting. But then sometimes I don’t even go to the studio. I spend time thinking about projects.
How did you become involved with Sotheby’s?
They asked to acquire my work following an exhibition of female-only artists that I was involved with in Sharjah. But they are still thinking of what they want, so we’re working on this. I don’t want to move the focus away from themes about women, because I think this is my style. This is what I really care about. Everyone wants this chance, so I’m trying to explore topics that everyone cares about, to think in a more professional manner.
What are your ambitions for the future? Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
I think I’ll be famous. But to be famous is not to see your name everywhere. I want to be famous among artists. This is already happening, actually – when I go to a group of artists they all know me, know my name and my artwork. But I want to be also famous for the beginners, for the students at universities. I want to inspire younger artists. I also hope to know what I really need and what society needs from me as an artist.
Fatema’s work is regularly displayed at the Salwa Zeidan Gallery, Khalidiyah (02 666 9656). For further info, visit www.salwazeidangallery.com
