Reem R: Transcending Traditions – A Vivid Dance of Color, Symbolism, and Memory

107 views 12:20 pm 0 Comments August 11, 2023
hunna art

Reem R, born in 1995 and now gracing the portfolio of Hunna Art, emerges as a compelling Palestinian visual artist. Her work dances across the canvas in vivid hues, driven by daily observations, human encounters, personal experiences, and poignant memories. Through her art, she creates visual riddles, striking a chord that resonates between her inner world and cultural significations. The viewer is welcomed into a conversation, challenged to decipher meanings and contribute interpretations.

Reem’s still life paintings harken to a long and celebrated tradition that stretches back to ancient Greece, finding its pinnacle in the Renaissance era. Such art, infused with symbolism, religious undertones, and allegorical meanings, has offered artists a canvas to demonstrate technical mastery and profound understanding of human existence.

Reem R’s contemporary iteration of still life is more than a mere extension of the past. It’s a rebirth that encapsulates her careful observation of the times and her surroundings. Her work carries forward the rich legacy of still life paintings, including the poignant Vanitas tradition, into the intricate webs of modern life.

Her artistic journey bloomed organically, commencing during her Multimedia Design studies at the American University of Sharjah. It was a painting course that metamorphosed Reem’s passion for painting into a professional pursuit. Under the tutelage of Professor Philip Sheil, she explored the world of oil painting, cultivating a style uniquely her own, inspired by both the Old Masters and contemporary artists like Chloe Wise and Emilio Villalba.

Reem’s art invites the viewer into a mysterious universe, a world teeming with signs, stories, and enigmatic riddles. Her 2017 Bachelor of Science in Multimedia Design laid the foundation for a career that has seen her work exhibited in the Arabian Peninsula, notably in Qatar and the UAE, and international locations including Croatia, France, Morocco, South Africa, and Spain.

Among her intriguing works is the painting ‘It was a white lie,’ a piece that delves into the history of painting, portraying everyday objects transposed into mystical realms. The motifs are a fusion of kitsch, daily consumables, and secretive symbols, each carrying hidden meanings. The recurring lilies, synonymous with purity, rebirth, fertility, and death, fill the canvas with a metaphorical narrative reminiscent of Reem’s childhood home.

Reem’s unique talent has caught the attention of prestigious clients, leading to commissioned artworks and designs that continue to enhance her reputation.

In collaboration with Elevision, UAE’s groundbreaking Digital Advertising company, Hunna Art is championing women artists from the Arabian Peninsula. Reem’s artwork will grace screens in Dubai International Financial Centre, fostering a week-long feature dedicated to her talent.

Through her art, Reem R stands as a vivid testament to the potential of still life painting to transcend tradition. Her work is not merely a revival but an innovative and thoughtful expression of contemporary life. It weaves a dance of color, symbolism, and memory that beckons us to pause, reflect, and lose ourselves in a world of visual poetry. Her journey, guided by passion and nurtured by mentorship, establishes her as a bright star in the constellation of modern art.