Bahrain Confidential explores the mind of artist Noor Hisham Saif…
What motivates you to get up in the morning?
Sometimes, I have trouble waking up in the morning with motivation because I am painting till midnight. But most of the time, what motivates me is when I want to create a vision of my art. However, I love mornings and and coffee.
Describe your art style.
My art style is usually inspired by cinematic scenes! I use my paintings as a platform to tell stories. I use house paint for the colors as well as simple touches of collage. I love to see multiple characters in my artworks.
What does art mean to you?
Big question! I believe that art entails creativity, imagination, and freedom… It is being wild and strong. Art is anything you want it to be. It can be a leader. We find it hard to express many of our messages but we can communicate these messages through art.
Art is anything you want it to be.
Some of your artworks were seen as thought-provoking, what do you aim to communicate through your art?
My works mostly involve the art of portrait and it tends to be more on the expressionist style. In my art projects, I always focus on the idea of local identity and how it copes with the other near or far regions. I also reflect on the rapid changes in the East and how those changes leave an impact on our lives. The formation of our concepts is also depicted on what I create.
Can you describe your artistic process? How do you know when an artwork is finished?
In all honesty, this is my biggest problem. I think this part needs to be arranged because I am a very random person! This means that I don’t know when my art work will be over! Most of the time, it is just my intuition that can lead me.
Which part of Bahrain is your favourite and why?
Bahrain is very cozy and close to my home. I feel safe and free in areas that are full of life and art like Bab al Bahrain and Adliya.