Nisma Rafiq

Saudi Gazette

Art inspires life with its slightest touch to an entity or a blank canvas. We are continuously surrounded by art. It gives meaning and voice to living and inanimate objects. Great art speaks a language of its own which everyone can view and understand. Its beauty doesn’t exist objectively, but something that is felt. It reaches out to everyone through visual expression.



Such is the art of Noora Almarzooa, whose work speaks volumes. Only 32 Noora is a Jeddah-based Ceramic Artist with a profound touch. She lived her life in Spain and Saudi Arabia, and this has influenced her greatly. She completed her Bachelor’s degree from King Abdulaziz University — Department of Islamic Educational Art. Later, she earned her Masters degree in Ceramic Art, from the University of Wales Institute Cardiff, UK.



“Ceramics is an embodiment of life itself; it is clay, air, water and fire,” Noora said, adding that her interest in ceramics led to her art. “I felt an instant connection the minute I touched clay, and I think it is a perfect medium to internalize one’s thoughts. I found this process invigorating and the results rewarding. It enjoins a lot of exploration and investigation, and that per-se is a fruitful journey,” she said.



Her childhood was diverse, dynamic and multicultural.  “Being raised in two spaces which are extremely diverse in every aspect required time and effort to adjust,” she told Saudi Gazette. This process of change and transformation has caused her to show the culture and tradition to which she belongs. “Our identities remain preserved as they are woven into our thinking like thread into a fabric,” Almarzooa said.



Her work negotiates aspects of Islamic Art while employing the symbolism of Arabic calligraphy and exploring genders. “Since I was raised in two parallel worlds, I always tried to draw connections and references through my experiences from within the multicultural world around me,” she explained.



“I could connect with Arabic calligraphy as a strong representation of my identity. Especially, during my Masters in the UK when I developed my language into arts, I wanted to share the beauty of its power and significance with the people from varied cultures and backgrounds. I was also interested in portraying the notion of male and female aspects and their diversity in the light of Islam. This, I believe provides the non-Arabs with access to our values, derived from our religion, that denies hierarchy and patriarchy dictated by the society and social practices we live around,” she said.



Noora received tremendous support from her family in order to pursue her passion. “My husband encouraged me to complete my studies, he is, and has been my backbone, my tutor, and my muse. My mom, sisters and aunts have been quite supportive, as well throughout.”



She has been appreciated at Young Saudi Exhibition, and has also displayed her work locally and internationally. “It is always a pleasure exhibiting in different countries and art spaces, but perhaps one feels that they share a common denominator with their audience. When exhibiting in Saudi Arabia, the whole ambiance is warmer finding myself among other artists always enriches the connection with my work.”



“One of the things that I am truly thankful for is when I got the chance to participate in an artist residency in Canada, the Ceramics district of Alberta in 2012. That was a fully funded invitational residency with a group of ceramics artists “Merge/diverge”, followed by a panel discussion titled “1000 miles apart”, a part of The Annual Ceramics Conference in Regina. Another important experience that enlightened my journey into the ceramics world was participation in Edge of Arabia’s ‘Rhizome’ in the 55th Venice’s biennial. All these experiences enriched my life related to my art practice.”



She connects present and past through her work using the symbolism of Islamic calligraphy while working in multiples. This is a significant aspect of her practice. “Islamic calligraphy is a language I communicate through, it places my work in an entirely new context. It bridges the language barriers with my audience, hence, calligraphy serves as a strong dominating force drawing attention and connecting the link between me and my audience.”



“I believe, the work of an artist is constantly evolving, everything goes through phases and each phase is significant in that journey of discovery and exploration. There are a few projects I’m looking forward to in the following year. I would also like to explore the potential of creative functional ceramics, which is a path I haven’t traveled on yet, but I believe it is a domain that is worth exploring.”



She wishes the upcoming artist luck and advises them to stay sincere to their beliefs and perceptions, concepts and material, while exploring and executing their artwork. “Patience is of a great importance and keeping an open mind to learn, experience and express is the way to success.”