With a stroke of uniqueness, Fatimah Al Nemer breathes life into a powerful narrative, celebrating the strength and resilience of women. Portraying the protagonist’s journey through carefully chosen symbols deeply ingrained in Saudi culture, narrating the character’s progression from silence and oppression to intuition and self-expression.
Dkhoun: “Dkhoun” literally translates to “the most precious types of incense,” however, it elevates in meaning here to symbolise goodness, purity, sustenance, and provision—an essence felt through our senses. When we encounter a scent, we instinctively close our eyes, immersing ourselves in the emotions it stirs. Naming the gallery collection “Dkhoun” signifies that it transcends senses; and embodies a woman’s intuition, nobility, and sublime essence, akin to the most precious incense. Throughout her art pieces other symbolic uses converge with the protagonist’s journey. The pomegranate symbolises a woman’s warmth and beauty, while the flower represents life itself. Another artwork uses, “Al Rababa,” – a traditional musical stringed instrument- which signifies the character’s sorrow and the transitional phase in life, while the dove signifies inner peace during life’s journey. Together, Fatimah’s unique blend of textiles and various materials, aims to seamlessly connect the past and culture with the present. Highlighting the character’s beauty, strength, and intelligence, striving to enlighten foreigners about the region’s authenticity. Each piece narrates a woman’s remarkable story, creating a beautiful window for viewers to live with the character’s journey from silence to self-discovery and inner peace, to expressing one’s true self.
The exhibition features eight tapestry pieces meticulously crafted, each intricately woven using various silk materials, processed and merged into four layers on canvas. Acrylic colors are then added, resulting in a symphony of color and texture that mirrors the depth and richness of Saudi culture.
“Art is a way of life” says Fatimah, where her inspiration is rooted in personal experiences and the struggle for self-expression. Fatimah sees her art as a portal to evoke emotions and connect beyond the senses, conveying a message that reaches the depths of the human soul. Drawing became her tool for empowerment, building her confidence and character. Art began as a “childhood sanctuary,” a refuge for unspoken words as she was an extremely shy and timid personality. Through art’s gentle strokes, she found her voice and confidence, which led her to the realisation—”why not lend this expressive power to others, especially women?” Thus began her journey of embodying diverse characters, painting the strength and women’s worth, blending reality with imagination. Her art became an emotional canvas, a lifelike translation of dreams and sentiments, intertwining tradition with a contemporary talent that resonates with a higher sense of purpose.
About Fatimah Al Nemer
Fatimah Al Nemer is a gifted Saudi artist born in the heart of Qatif, within Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. Embarked on her beautiful art journey two decades ago. She began by crafting delicate gold and jewellery designs, but her creative spirit soon led her to explore various forms of art—visual arts, paintings, and tapestry, each with its own unique allure. Fatima holds a special place in her heart for her Saudi heritage, using her art to honour and empower women. In her art, she delicately conceals the eyes, inviting us to ponder and engage with the narrative she paints. Her talent has graced galleries around the world, leaving a mark in the UAE, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, also capturing hearts and imaginations internationally, in India, Paris and Holland. Through her paintings, she breathes life into historical and unknown personas, drawing their stories onto the canvas. From a shy, quiet girl, she thrived into an artist who echoes the unrewarded tales of strong women, intertwining reality and imagination in her unique and creative artistry.
About Mestaria Gallery
Mestaria Gallery is a contemporary, affordable, non-intimidating art space located in the heart of the dynamic Alserkal Avenue Art District in Al Quoz, Dubai, UAE. First established as a gallery space in the UAE in the 1990’s, it is now one of the region’s foremost contemporary art spaces, specializing in works from accomplished regional and global talent, with a specific focus on work of an Arabic, African and Asian origin.
For more details https://mestaria.art
