MARYAM NASS
Bahraini artist Maryam Nass finds her expressive outlet through abstract art and nature-inspired compositions, where she delves into her inner emotions and reflections on life.
Nass’ artistic journey began at a young age, painting on porcelain, but family expectations led her away from pursuing art professionally. When her father was diagnosed with cancer in 2004, she returned to art as a way to still her mind and cope with her thoughts. Since then, she has never stopped painting and continues to explore her artistic expression through the use of oils, which grants her the freedom to embrace risk and unexpected details in her work. Painting alla prima, she blends the colors directly on the canvas with a palette knife, over the course of several days.
Nass’ work carries profound personal significance, as exemplified by the image of birds, found in many of her pieces. Two gray red-streaked pigeons first appeared during the time of her father and younger brother’s passing, becoming a symbolic representation of her emotions. These birds have left an indelible mark on her, inspiring her art and her collectors as emblems of good omens and blessings. Through paintings, Nass finds liberation, a way to quiet the voices in her head, and a means to express her inner self beyond words.
Abstract art is my expressive outlet for feelings and inner emotions, born from reflections on life. Without plans or explanations, I create spontaneous compositions by delving into my inner self. As a lifelong diarist who struggles with verbal expression, painting allows me to communicate without words. Unlike words, paintings can carry hidden messages and meanings, unrevealed and open to interpretation. Like me, my paintings don’t reveal the whole story; they conceal and mix layers to mask the true meaning behind the emotions. Art liberates me from the perfectionism of daily life, offering moments of visual and emotional gratification. Embracing risk and the unexpected details that arise during the process, abstract painting grants me the sought-after freedom. Through layering wet oil paint, I relish the thrill of chance, the unknown, and the infinite. As patterns and colors emerge and layers reveal themselves, the painting takes shape. The interplay of color, gesture, scraping, and layering allows unintentional combinations to surface. Ultimately, a spontaneous illusion of space materializes, becoming an additional page in my diary.
ORIGINAL MARYAM NASS ARTWORKS ON
