Wole Adedoyin interviews Sarah Hussein: Most Themes I Pursue in My Art Represent Women's Issues and Rights
WA: PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
SH: My name is Sarah Hussein, and I am a self-taught artist, painter, and sculptor based in Egypt. I have participated in numerous art exhibitions both in Egypt and internationally, including in Italy, Taiwan, India, the UAE, the USA, and Qatar.
I have also received several awards for my work, including:
2024, 2023, and 2023: Katara Novel and Fine Arts Competition.
2023: Special Mention in the Ecco Echo Award by the Classical Roman Arts Foundation in Rome, Italy.
2022: Bronze Medal in the International Embrace Design Competition and shortlisted for the Alpine Fellowship Visual Art Prize.
2019 & 2022: Recognition in the International Art and Design Competition by Accademia Riaci, Florence, Italy.
2019: Women in the Arts Competition (Florida) for my artwork The Difference.
2018: Sponsorship Award at the XIV International Ex Libris Competition, Ruse, and the Badep Arab Prize in Fine Arts.
WA: TELL US MORE ABOUT ART IN YOUR COUNTRY.
SH: Modern art in Egypt often reflects the daily life of its society, capturing the essence of farmers, bustling markets, and the streets. Artists highlight the beauty and simplicity of Egyptian culture, often focusing on traditional architecture, ancient Egyptian heritage, and historical details found in museums, castles, and artifacts of our civilization.
WA: HAVE YOU HEARD ABOUT IHRAF BEFORE?
SH: Yes, I have.
WA: HOW ARE ARTISTS USING ART TO PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS IN YOUR COUNTRY?
SH: In Egypt, artists use art as a powerful medium to express ideas and emotions. We often address social issues such as revolution, peace, women's rights, and violence through our work. Artists convey these messages using specific colors or symbols to evoke emotions like fear, anger, or hope. Art becomes a voice for the voiceless and an agent of change.
WA: WHAT THEMES DO YOU PURSUE?
SH: Most of my art represents women's issues and rights, depicting the challenges, critical situations, and daily life struggles they face. I also explore the dreams and challenges of African children who often lack the means to achieve their aspirations. Recently, I have ventured into creating fantasy artworks that bring my surreal visions to life.
WA: WHAT ART DO YOU MOST IDENTIFY WITH?
SH: I resonate deeply with the Impressionist movement. I feel a sense of belonging to that school of art because it aligns with my approach to capturing emotions and fleeting moments.
WA: WHAT ROLE DOES AN ARTIST PLAY IN SOCIETY?
SH: I believe art is essential for survival. My audience often shares how my work positively impacts their mental and physical well-being. Artists have a unique role in society — to reveal the beauty around us, encourage people to engage with artistic details, and highlight the small, overlooked aspects of life that are often forgotten amidst daily pressures.
WA: WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ARTWORK?
SH: Every piece I create holds a special meaning for me, but I am particularly fond of my recent painting, Nap Time.
WA: WHAT JOBS HAVE YOU DONE OTHER THAN BEING AN ARTIST, AND WHY?
SH: Throughout my life, I have insisted on being a full-time artist, even though it was challenging in the beginning.
WA: WHAT IS AN ARTISTIC OUTLOOK ON LIFE?
SH: I see life as a bubble, and I imagine myself climbing its heights until I reach the skyline.
WA: WHAT MEMORABLE RESPONSES HAVE YOU HAD TO YOUR WORK?
SH: One of the most memorable comments I’ve received is:
"Your art takes me places beyond the ordinary world, into a place in the heart altogether extraordinary."
WA: WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE ABOUT THE ART WORLD?
SH: One of the aspects I dislike most is how difficult it is to gain recognition and be celebrated in the art field today. Often, it depends on factors like paid promotion on social media platforms. Many young artists believe the best artwork is the one that gets the most likes and shares. This can be misleading because the quality of an artwork cannot be measured solely by its social media popularity.
WA: WHAT DO YOU DISLIKE ABOUT YOUR WORK?
SH: I dislike that I work and sleep in the same space.
WA: WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR WORK?
SH: What I love most is that creating art makes me feel alive.
WA: SHOULD ART BE FUNDED?
SH: Yes, absolutely. While I create art to nourish my soul and for my own pleasure, I would be glad to have opportunities for funding to further support my work.
WA: WHAT ROLE DOES ARTS FUNDING HAVE?
SH: Arts funding helps in producing more artworks and provides the financial support and promotion necessary for artists to thrive.
WA: NAME THREE ARTISTS YOU’D LIKE TO BE COMPARED TO.
SH: Degas, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt.
WA: WHAT IS THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?
SH: “Don’t ever wait for inspiration; just do your work.”
WA: WHAT IS YOUR FUTURE GOAL?
SH: My goal is to achieve greater recognition and organize international solo exhibitions in some of the world’s most renowned galleries.
WA: YOUR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE TO UPCOMING ARTISTS?
SH: Keep learning and researching. Don’t stop at academic education; always study the works of the old masters and continually refine your craft.
Sarah Hussein is a self-taught artist, painter, and sculptor based in Egypt. Her works have graced exhibitions in Egypt and internationally in Italy, Taiwan, India, the UAE, the USA, and Qatar. With numerous accolades to her name, including awards from prestigious competitions like the Katara Novel and Fine Arts Competition and the Ecco Echo Award, Sarah Hussein continues to make a mark in the art world. In this interview with Wole Adedoyin, she discusses her passion for art and the themes that define her creative journey.
