“I WOULD DESCRIBE THE ALBUQUERQUE ART SCENE AS SUPPORTIVE. WHEN ONE PERSON DOES SOMETHING REALLY WELL OR HAS SUCCESS IN THEIR CRAFT, EVERYONE IS HAPPY FOR THEM.”
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With roots in Kuwait and a life built in Albuquerque, Zahra’s art has always been created alongside the desert. As a watercolorist, her work explores themes of family, displacement and dreams, with a bit of mysticism and abstraction mixed in. She hopes the deep feelings she explores within her art bring out the feelings of her audience and the common emotions we all share. In Albuquerque, she’s found inspiration in how to connect her art with activism and issues she cares about.
Her debut picture book, Where Butterflies Fill the Sky, was published by Bloomsbury Books and named one of the New York Times / New York Public Library’s 10 Best Illustrated Books as well as NPR’s Best Books of 2022. The week before receiving the Dilys Evans Founders Award from the Society of Illustrators, she was honored with an award by the UN Human Rights Commission for creating art that brings visibility to statelessness, Indigenous groups, and minority rights.
First Brushstrokes
In the vibrant tapestry of Albuquerque’s art scene, Zahra stands out as an evocative storyteller and visual artist. Her journey into the world of art began with an insatiable desire to capture the myriad of thoughts and memories swirling in her mind. “I couldn’t stop writing and then I wanted to draw everything I own,” she recalls. Writing was her initial outlet, a way to process her experiences, but soon it wasn’t enough. She needed to translate these feelings into visual forms.
Zahra’s entry into the art world was marked by her delicate and emotive watercolors. “I started by creating watercolors and showing them wherever I could,” she shares. These early works were a raw and honest depiction of her inner world, resonating with many who viewed them.
Hues of Influence
Albuquerque, with its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, serves as both her canvas and muse. Zahra finds solace and inspiration during her walks in the Bosque in Barelas. However, it is her studio at the Harwood Art Center that truly sparks her creativity. “I really like going on walks in the Bosque in Barelas, but where do I feel most inspired? In my studio at the Harwood Art Center, where it’s quiet but beautiful and there are a lot of other artists working.”
Zahra draws inspiration from the boldness of Chicano and Indigenous artists in Albuquerque. “It’s hard to not be inspired by Chicano or Indigenous artists within the city and the way they’re not afraid to stand up for themselves,” she says. This courage influences her own work, especially as she navigates themes of activism within the Middle East.
Through her art, Zahra hopes to bring a sense of lightness and playfulness to heavy topics, offering a new perspective to her community. “I hope that in fact that my art has on people living here is lightness that comes with dreams or playfulness within heavy topics,” she expresses. Her passion for her craft remains ever-fresh due to the endless inspirations she finds in daily life. “There are a lot of things that I want to paint all the time that sometimes I feel almost overwhelmed by the amount of things I want to draw,” Zahra admits.
“It’s hard to not be inspired by Chicano or Indigenous artists within the city and the way they stand up for themselves.”
Beyond the Canvas
Zahra has been creating art full-time for the past seven years, and she speaks warmly of Albuquerque’s supportive art community. “I feel like when one person does something really well or has success in their crafts, everyone is happy for them,” she observes, highlighting the collaborative spirit that fuels the city’s creative pulse.
To aspiring artists, Zahra advises dedication and consistency. “One piece of advice I would have for future inspiring artists is to have a table where you can work and maybe spend an hour or two actually trying to make something every day,” she suggests.
Zahra’s journey as an artist is a testament to the power of creativity and the impact of community. Her ability to transform personal experiences into universal themes allows her to connect deeply with her audience. Through her dedication and continuous exploration of new inspirations, Zahra exemplifies the vibrant and supportive nature of the Albuquerque art scene.
Find exhibitions and events featuring Zahra on ABQToDo.
Art Every Day Of The Week
When you start to look, you’ll see art everywhere in Albuquerque. Use this calendar to find an arts and culture event near you. Take a friend, bring your kids, or go on your own. Become a part of the arts and culture community in Albuquerque. You’ll be glad you did.
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