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Business, pleasure and talent united

Juggling between being an artist and a photographer, Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum also dons the role of businesswoman. Enjoying the arts of painting and drawing from an early age, Wafa’s design skills have led her over the years to make forays into the art world. With her ability to combine digital technology with traditional art forms, Wafa has earned herself a niche for her artistic vision.

Her artwork is her only key to relaxation, so she chooses to express subtlety through her work, instead of engaging in anything too flamboyant. Wafa loves discovering different facets to the creative field and does not consider the medium restrictive. “For me, sports is an art, writing and reciting poetry is an art, so why not view it as a solitary medium?”

Not specialising in any particular form of art, Wafa believes in exploration and experimentation, as her repetition of the same thing over and over again would result in monotony and mundanity.

Besides having showcased her artwork in many group exhibitions, which include printmaking, photography, painting, sculptures, installation techniques, vinyl toys and even skateboard shows, Wafa has the FN Designs Studios, a project she set up last year. Using ideas penned in a small notebook, FN Design Studios has become a centre of artistic recognition.

FN, pronounced ‘fann’ is Arabic for ‘the arts’. FN takes pride in producing works ranging from graphic and product design, branding and illustrations as well as publications. Wafa’s design studio hosts art related events that offer patrons and art lovers from across the UAE an opportunity to see local artists at work and get acquainted with them on a personal and interactive level. FN designs clothing and art print includes graphic design and poster design, interiors — comprising of print and murals — book brochures and zines (small circulation titles).

Wafa feels that Middle Eastern Art is growing rapidly, and there are many young people on the scene trying to gain some recognition in the field, but she also suggests there is a lot that is needed to be covered in order to catch up with art outside the Middle East, including other Arab countries and the West.

On a personal front, Wafa likes to communicate with fellow artists, and is open to constructive criticism, which helps her mature as an artist. In her free time she indulges in reading, watching movies and is an avid fan of sports. She enjoys an enviable reputation for her artistic vision, a result of sheer passion and dedication to 
her work. Her aim now is to look beyond her achievements and set new benchmarks.

news@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE