SHARJAH SH.- Reem R (b. 1995), now represented by Hunna Art, is a Palestinian visual artist whose work is inspired and influenced by daily observations, human interactions, personal experiences, and memories. Contrasting vivid color palettes and carefully-composed artworks capture the essence of her inner world, intertwining personal symbols with cultural references. Reem creates visual riddles that invite the viewers to engage their own imagination to decipher their meanings and come up with their own interpretations.
"In the tradition of still life painting, Reem R. emerges as a contemporary artist who breathes new life into this enduring genre. Rooted in ancient Greece and reaching its zenith during the Renaissance, still life paintings depicted meticulously inanimate objects -such as fruits, flowers, and household items- that demonstrated the technical prowess of the artist while imbuing them with symbolic, religious, and allegorical meanings. Vanitas images, in particular, served as poignant reminders of human mortality.
In keeping with the historical intention that guided artists through centuries to capture the spirit of the times by capturing its essence and its most significant traits, Reem R. carefully observes and dissects her surroundings, capturing their most meaningful and symbolic elements. While not setting out initially to become a portraitist of our societies, her artistic journey unfolded organically. During her Multimedia Design studies at the American University of Sharjah, Reem R embarked in a painting course that turned her long-time passion for painting into an art career. Guided by her professor Philip Sheil, she delved into the intricate techniques of oil painting and cultivated her distinctive style. Drawing inspiration from both the Old Masters and her contemporaries, such as painters Chloe Wise and Emilio Villaba, Reem is developing a body of work that invites us to delve into a mysterious universe of signs, stories and riddles." -Reem R, by Océane Sailly
Reem R. received a Bachelor of Science in Multimedia Design at the American University of Sharjah (UAE) in 2017. Her work has been exhibited in the Arabian Peninsula, especially Qatar and the UAE, and internationally (Croatia, France, Morocco, South Africa, and Spain). She was also commissioned to create several artworks and designs for prestigious clients.
The painting, 'It was a white lie' is part of Reem’s series of still life in which she engages with the history of painting, depicting everyday objects that she transposes into enigmatic universes. The objects depicted in these artworks -a mixture of kitsch, daily consumable items and secret, almost tantric motifs- carry hidden meanings. Lilies, which are usually known as symbols of purity, rebirth, fertility but also death, are one of these recurring motifs; they used to fill and perfume Reem’s childhood home, but also assume in It was a white lie the role of a metaphor for a person.
Hunna Art has partnered with Elevision, the most innovative Digital Advertising company in UAE, to promote women artists from the Arabian Peninsula in the UAE. Each week an artist represented by Hunna Art will featured by Elevision on all their screens in Dubai International Financial Centre.The collaboration started this week with Aidha Badr.
