Emirati artist Mouza Al Mansoori’s abstracts look at the world for stories
- 03 Apr 2023
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
World Art Dubai (Mar. 9 – 12) saw Emirati abstract artist Mouza Al Mansoori showing her artwork. She is based in Abu Dhabi and is self-taught and is best known for her distinctive expressive style, exuding simplicity and a love of storytelling.
Since 2018, she has been exploring her imagination through a variety of different materials and mediums. She began painting as a means of self-expression and her painterly stories offer themselves to independent interpretation.
Mostly using gouache on paper and board, she likes to capture snapshots of life, by creating little works of moments in time. “My artwork is a very personal expression of emotions and it’s a reflection of who I am and how I feel,” she says. “I try to capture moments, places, feelings or objects that I connect with and portray that in my work. I hope to convey my thoughts, love of colour and appreciation of imperfection, through my art.” Mouza Al Mansoori deals with the imperfections of Gulf Today’s questions with perfect answers
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Why are your paintings small in scale?
I like to capture moments in time, and I have so many ideas and inspirations that I’d like to put down on paper as soon as possible, and working small with gouache, which dries fast, I get to do that easily. I’m also quite impatient as an artist - I get bored quickly. So I like to finish my paintings in one or two sittings, then move on to the next.
Your work ranges from the realistic to the abstract. Would you not like to remain with one school of art?
Most of my work falls under abstract; some are expressionist in style and the ones leaning towards realism, are actually a mix of impressionism and romanticism. I like experimenting: I’m driven by my current emotions and moods. So I go wherever they take me. I feel that way I produce more authentic, genuine art that represents who I am, my outlook, and my spirit.
How will you define your style?
A marriage between impressionism and romanticism, with a little bit of pop.
What stories do your paintings narrate?
Everyday life, things all around us. The obvious and the neglected. It’s also an embrace of the messy and imperfect; I find beauty in everything around me (check the Trash collection). My inspiration ranges from movies, music and games to people around me, animals, and travel.
Who are your role models in art?
I love Van Gogh, Monet and Picasso. A huge local role model for me is Najat Makki. I’m also inspired by Maitha Abdalla and Hashel Al Lamki, who started the artist collective Bait 15 in Abu Dhabi. I’m a big fan of Japanese animation, and Studio Ghibli has had a huge impact on me. Yoshitaka Amano, a video game artist who worked for Square Enix, Nathan Fowkes, an entertainment industry artist who worked for Dreamworks and Disney, have also influenced me.
What role does colour play in your works?
I love colour and I like to put my own twist on landscapes and skies and create an alternate fantasy of existing places. I’m influenced by my background in branding, graphic design and video game design.
Have you heard of the Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi, since you like to deal with imperfection?
Yes, I have! I am a perfectionist, which was great in the workplace, but didn’t help me as an artist as it paralysed me and hindered my progress. As I let go of that, I embraced imperfections in my art and found beauty in it. I like balance but dislike symmetry; I think imperfections give character to people and things as well, and tell a story and history that a perfect image can never communicate.
Why are you a minimalist? Your artwork does not seem to have too many add ons...
I think my art is a reflection of me, and as I said previously, I like to communicate who I am through it: no gimmicks, no extras, be authentic and true to who I am. I also want the viewers to focus on the piece itself and not be distracted.
Since your paintings are self-expressive, what are you?
I’m an observer of life, appreciative of the little hidden things that people may not notice. I’m simple, honest, open, an empath, a little sarcastic, a little sensitive, a little bit weird, a woman, and just human like everyone else - which is why it’s important to me that anyone can relate to an artwork I create. I found that being honest, authentic and true to yourself is the best way forward. I try to be that in everyday life and communicate it in my art as well.
Can we have your comments on Arts and the Emirates?
I think art in the UAE is getting more visibility and gaining more audience than it used to. There are more Emirati artists, and the perception of art as a profession is slowly shifting and being more accepted. World Art Dubai is an important part of my journey as an independent artist wanting to connect with my audience and showcase my art without gallery representation. There’s still a long way to go in terms of support for independent artists and opportunities in general in the UAE; but I believe we are on the right path - and we are just starting.