Sarah Ismail (b. 1990) is a painter and illustrator who works with watercolours, acrylics, pastel and oil paint. Born by the Nile River, Egypt, she grew up in Kuwait and graduated University with a BA in English Language and Literature. Having always been fascinated by nature and animals, wildlife and innocence are elements often found in her detail oriented work. Believing that what’s Essential is invisible to the eye, her main concern is not only illustrating the mere detailed observations of a certain element but also reflecting on the essence of energy possessed, the emotional state obtained by the observer and the connection built with the subject matter. With an Imaginative Realism approach her work aims to capture the connections and bonds with life and the natural elements within and around us.
Experiencing the landscapes of Yorkshire, Wales, and Belfast inspired Sarah to think about the ways in which she can explore the landscapes of the Middle East, and how nature serves as a constant of everyday life no matter where you are in the world. In a new environment, one can find him/herself faced with an internal conflict, with the duality of wanting to protect your own identity but also wanting to embrace other identities. Sarah’s project, Parallel Universe, is thus an attempt to both protect and embrace in harmony.
Reflecting on her own heritage and identity between Egypt and Kuwait, Sarah researched the deep historical ties that people have had with nature through time in the two geographically diverse places, appreciating the unique wildlife, botany and history that exists in both Egypt and Kuwait.
Inspired by this research, Parallel Universe is a trinity of paintings portraying children living in a parallel universe that celebrates their differences. A surreal world of merged wildlife, history, mythology and nature, this universe hopes for a safe place of acceptance and love, ruled by innocence and children from different backgrounds all in harmony.
Related Projects
الدروع (الحواجز)
ألخلل
نسيج القصص