Artist in conversation: Laila Yassin
Working with an expanded approach to found materials, the Cairo-based contemporary artist Laila Yassin employs text, existing artworks, and exhibition contexts to realize concepts of purity and love. Treating abstract expression as form, she draws from a modernist contemporary aesthetic to negotiate the role of art and its function and potential to give people hope, relief, and joy. Interested in the interrelation of paint, colour, texture, philosophy, and poetry in artistic practice and production, she explores the material and conceptual limits of painting. Her aim is to capture the moments in life that make one feel most alive, moments where humanity reaches the maximum state of happiness. Laila’s art serves as a contemporary expression and a way to interpret the unsaid, attempting to reach viewers in ways words cannot. Her work is intended to be placed in any space in one's home, bringing relaxation and rejuvenation to any room it's displayed in. She has showcased her work in various exhibitions and events including the Contemporary Art Exhibition in Dubai, UAE, Telal Art Exhibition in North Coast, Egypt, and the Eyouth Summit 2021 in Cairo, Egypt.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
I was initially inspired by the beauty of the world and my desire to share that love and serenity through my paintings. I developed my style through experimentation with colors, textures, and techniques that best captured these feelings.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
I frequently explore themes of nature, love, beauty, and serenity in my work, drawn to these topics for their ability to evoke positive emotions and inspire a sense of wonder and peace.
Can you walk us through your creative process from conception to completion? How do you approach each new piece or project?
I frequently explore themes of nature, love, beauty, and serenity in my work, drawn to these topics for their ability to evoke positive emotions and inspire a sense of wonder and peace.
As an artist who has exhibited internationally, what differences or similarities do you find in the reception of your work across different cultural contexts?The reception of my work across different cultural contexts often highlights universal themes of beauty and love, while nuances in interpretation may vary based on cultural perspectives, adding richness to the dialogue about the world's inherent beauty.
How do you stay connected with other artists and keep up with new developments and trends in the art world?
I stay connected with other artists through exhibitions, workshops, and online platforms, keeping up with new developments and trends in the art world through continuous learning and engagement with the artistic community.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
Feedback from critics and audiences is essential to my growth as an artist, providing valuable insights that I balance with my artistic intuition to continually refine my expression of beauty and serenity in the world.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
I stay motivated and inspired by focusing on my passion for sharing the beauty of the world and embracing setbacks or creative blocks as opportunities for introspection and growth, always returning to my core message of love and serenity.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I feel honored and excited about exhibiting my artworks with The Holy Art Gallery, as it aligns with my vision of spreading beauty and serenity to a wider audience and creating meaningful connections through art.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My long-term goals include expanding my reach globally and collaborating with diverse artists and galleries to showcase the world's beauty and love.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your artworks?
Emotion plays a central role in my creative process, guiding me to evoke specific feelings such as joy, peace, and awe in those who view my artworks. Through thoughtful composition and use of color, I aim to create an emotional resonance that transcends words and speaks directly to the heart.
