Leyla

 Equality. Justice. Freedom. Hope. These are just four ideals that generations of women have been striving for. I began my artwork with the theme of utopia and evolved into challenges women face in society particularly equality. Living in a conservative society such as Egypt, I was greatly influenced to send strong messages about women’s issues.

My use of bright colours, and strong simple shapes, gives my artwork vivacity which catches the viewers’ attention. This is especially important in conveying my strong messages. Moreover, the simplicity in the design allows my artwork to be understood by viewers.

I have encountered several drawbacks. Beginning the year with impatience, I noticed how I was discouraged in elaborating on my artwork, making it less sophisticated. I overcame this problem by gradually becoming more patient. I also had trouble with time management that resulted in my rushing to finish my projects by deadlines. to develop good ideas into the pieces. I tried to overcome this problem by spacing out my time into several intervals.

Inspired by museums, and art galleries, I was continuously eager to explore different art styles. Artists such as James Rosenquist, and Alfred Gockel influenced my style. Rosenquist’s juxtaposition influenced various of my pieces. Gockel’s figure painting influenced the idea of abstract figures. I have experimented with a wide variety of media: oil pastel, oil paint, watercolor and even wood. Consequently, after experimentation I was able to choose the appropriate media for my ideas.

Due to the messages that I want to convey in my art pieces, my artwork has a very strong historical but most importantly social context. In an era where women are only starting to gain rights in many nations, I try to use my artwork to highlight the plight of women and key issues that they face.

     16 x 20 inches Acrylic on wood (mixed media) || 22.5 x 21 inches Watercolour on Watercolour paper || 22.5 x 21 inches Watercolour on Watercolour Paper || 18 x 36 inches Acrylic on Canvas || 16 x 20 inches Mixed Media || 18 x 36 inches Acrylic on Canvas || 16 x 30 inches Oil Pastel on Paper || 22.5 x 30 inches Watercolour on Watercolour paper || 70 x 100 cm Acrylic on Canvas || 18 x 36 inches Acrylic on Canvas || 18 x 24 inches Mixed Media || 18 x 36 inches Mixed Media ||
 * [[image:P1010516.jpg align="center"]] || "Bars of Poverty"
 * [[image:P1010531.jpg align="center"]] || "The Wrong Idol"
 * [[image:P1010540.jpg]] || "Wrongfully Enslaved"
 * [[image:P1010528.jpg align="center"]] || "Unveiled"
 * [[image:P1010539.jpg align="center"]] || "In the Heart of Friendship"
 * [[image:P1010536.jpg align="center"]] || "Dawn of a New Day"
 * [[image:P1010538.jpg align="center"]] || "Subjugation"
 * [[image:P1010506.jpg align="center"]] || "Unity"
 * [[image:P1010535.jpg align="center"]] || "The Gateway to Life"
 * [[image:P1010534.jpg align="center"]] || "In the Eye of the Media"
 * [[image:P1010537.jpg align="center"]] || "The Farfetched Road to Utopia"
 * [[image:P1010499.jpg align="center"]] || "A Fragmented Life"