My journey as an artist began almost unknowingly, driven by a deep desire for creativity and an insatiable curiosity. Unlike most children, I struggled with learning to write, and art became my coping mechanism—a magical way for me to learn and express alphabets and numbers. This early connection to art blossomed into a passion, leading me to explore various forms of artistic expression and experiment with different mediums and techniques. My path as an artist truly took shape when I recognised the profound potential of art not only to understand life but also to connect with people and open up new paradigms.

I’m interested in bridging the gap between the mundane and the profound. My work delves into the human experience through the lens of a seemingly ordinary object: the chair. I use chairs to unravel their hidden histories and symbolic meanings, exploring themes such as placement and displacement, presence and absence, status and functionality. By reimagining the chair beyond its practical role, I transform it into a stage for conveying emotions and societal reflections.

Trip to Jerusalem is inspired by the inherent precarity of life. The painting uses the game of musical chairs as a metaphor to highlight the arbitrary, sudden and sometimes competitive nature of our existence. Just as players scramble to find a seat in the game, the artwork reflects the way humans navigate the unpredictability and challenges of life.

In the painting, the figures symbolize our collective experience, portraying how we each engage with this metaphorical game. Their positioning and interactions capture the tension and urgency inherent in the struggle to secure a place, mirroring the often haphazard and frantic pace of life. Through this juxtaposition, Trip to Jerusalem invites viewers to contemplate the nature of their own journey and the broader implications of living in a world where the rules and outcomes can seem unpredictable and competitive.

Yes, I actually look out for hidden magic in everyday life. In Trip to Jerusalem, the vivid red and surreal elements, like the floating chair, are meant to heighten the ordinary and reveal deeper meanings. By blending the familiar with the extraordinary, I’m interested in uncovering the hidden layers of our experiences and invite viewers to see the magic in the mundane.

Being part of this collaboration is both exciting and meaningful for me. (RED) has an impressive track record in raising awareness and funds for global health initiatives, and AHLEM’s design philosophy is both innovative and inspiring. The opportunity to combine art with such a significant cause is a powerful motivator. I’m honored to be involved and to help support a mission that resonates with me on a personal level.

I’m inspired by the symbolism in everyday objects, like chairs, and how they reflect deeper human experiences and societal themes. Personal experiences and epiphanies also drive my explorations.

I like to feel deeply and stay informed about life, so I’ve developed the habit of listening to lots of music, consuming as much film as I can, and reading widely. These activities help keep my creativity alive. I’m very conscious of work-life balance, so when I need to switch off, I make sure to take breaks and engage in relaxing activities. This helps me recharge and return to my work with a fresh perspective.