When Art & Design Harmonise: An Interview with Nadia Shoukry

People often resort to art for comfort, solace, and just to make sense of the world’s current insanity. Decades of research have proven that the mere creation of optical art can relieve stress and enhance leisure in people’s lives, even during their darkest times. With a trademark of combining construction, interior design and painting altogether, Nadia Shoukry is known for her authentic expression of emotions, as well as her usage of unrestrained, picturesque colours. With a strong belief in the therapeutic energy of art, Nadia follows her heart throughout any project that comes her way. We talked to her for an inside scoop on her artistic inspirations and how her journey has looked like so far.

Tell us a bit more about your background.

I had a passion for arts for as long as I can remember. Since first grade, I was known at school for my love for art and crafts. I started taking professional courses when I was eleven and by the age of thirteen, I was creating artworks at home using different materials. When I grew up, I knew that I wanted to proceed in this direction and study arts, which I did. After graduation, I had a small studio where I practised and taught classes daily. My family supported me from the start, providing me with the push to attend courses, moral support and even materials.

What has stood out to you the most in your artistic career?

After graduating in 1998 from the Faculty of Fine Arts, my passion for art kept growing and I realised how art helped me mentally and emotionally along the way. I wanted to teach others about that so I began drawing and giving expressive art classes, alongside my interior design career. In the last ten years, I have participated in several exhibitions, amongst which are two solo exhibitions at Cairo Opera House, where I displayed in over 85 pieces. It was a huge success and I couldn’t be prouder to have accomplished what I worked for. I also participated in World Art Dubai last year and I launched the N-Art mobile application, which now has more than 200 artists and more than a thousand pieces of artwork available for sale.

How did Nart come about?

N-Art stands for Network of Artist; it is the first mobile application making a platform for a network of visual artists in Egypt, as well as a wider scale. It gives maximum exposure for the public art lovers to see and be seen. The idea behind it was to create a communication channel between artists of different schools to share their experiences, perspectives and artwork. Not only that, but also to help them with their businesses, allowing them the chance to sell their pieces. The artwork is also displayed on this platform for any art enthusiast to enjoy and appreciate.

What does your painting/artwork aim to say and express?

My main focus when it comes to artistic concepts is expressive art. I believe in the freedom of art – no boundaries, no restraints. This gives diversity to my work and allows me to portray a complete, pure expression of who I am in the moment as I draw. This technique transforms my sentiments into artwork and happens to be therapeutic to both, the artist as well as the audience. I don’t believe in sticking to one method, art school or art style. It would be a limitation on creativity as opposed to the liberation and diversity we’re meant to experience in the art world.

Are you influenced by anyone whilst painting?

Nothing comes to mind in particular while I’m painting. I can be inspired by a thought, a scene, a brushstroke or even a colour…to name a few. There’s no sketching or pre-thinking. I just start and let my creative side flow freely until my piece is complete.

What piece of your artwork would you like to be remembered for? Why?

The ‘Blue and White’ piece is what I want to be remembered for. Aside from the fact that it is created with my favorite color palette, I used a special technique with fibreglass sheets in that one. This piece also combines humans and nature so it keeps me grounded every-time I look at it.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Numerous masters of art inspire me. I appreciate different schools like Klimt, Picasso, and Van Gogh and almost every piece, scene or thought that I experience on a personal level.

What is your greatest indulgence in life?

Painting is my greatest escape. As soon as I hold my brush, I get completely energised and inspired. Furthermore, travel, exploring new trends, products and designs are also among the closest to my heart.

What kind of art do you most identify with?

I think mostly impressionism and modern art, in general.

Describe your ultimate favorite artwork.

Any artwork that keeps me gazing for hours and hours without getting bored always keeps me on my feet. One of my ultimate favorites is ‘The Kiss’ by Klimt and Michelangelo’s ‘Sistine Chapel’ is one of the greatest art pieces in history as far as I’m concerned.

What advice would you like to give to a young aspiring artist following in these footsteps?

I would always recommend that you should listen to your inner voice and keep going no matter how many obstacles you face. Your art is the only way that will make you survive so focus on it and work hard. Always try to be creative because this is all that matters when it comes to art.

By: Nadine Mustafa