Vogue Arabia

HAYATY DIARIES X LEVITATE

Kinzy Diab and Christina Shoucair

What inspired you to create Hayaty Diaries, and how did your personal backgrounds help in building the project?

Christina: The inspiration behind Hayaty Diaries initially stemmed from our desire to reconnect with our cultural roots and empower women creatives from the Arab World. Having grown up in London after leaving the Middle East at a young age, and with previous experience in the creative industry—my focus being art and Kinzy’s in production—we felt a strong urge to create something that would amplify the artistic voices of women who looked like us, shared our histories, and carried with them stories that often go unnoticed in mainstream Western culture.

As we engaged in conversations with Arab women artists during the development phase of our concept, we were continuously moved by their openness and authenticity in recounting their experiences, dreams, and visions. It was undeniable that there was a remarkable wave of creativity emanating from our region, presenting us with the perfect opportunity to spotlight Arab women artists, especially within a cultural hub like London.

So, to answer your question, while our backgrounds as a Lebanese and Egyptian duo sparked the initial inspiration, it's the ongoing dialogue and connections with artists that continually shape our trajectory.

What led you to focus on showcasing contemporary female artists from the Arab world?

Kinzy: After graduating from university and stepping into the real world, Christina and I began reflecting on three truths we were certain of: our Arab identity, being young women, and our shared desire to immerse ourselves in the creative space. These certainties served as the foundation on which Hayaty Diaries was built upon. Our concept naturally evolved as a way for us to connect with more Arab women creatives like ourselves—individuals we could directly relate to and draw inspiration from.

Before the inception of Hayaty Diaries, we noticed that when seeking inspiration from women of our age and background, we often struggled to find relatable figures. This was not due to a lack of talent or creative output, but rather a lack of representation in our Western context. It was exactly this gap that inspired us to focus on sharing the stories of the remarkable women we collaborate with. We hope to provide others with the opportunity to connect with the artists' work and their personal narratives, encouraging a sense of community that unites us all.

What criteria do you consider when selecting artists to feature? And how has the diversity within their creative fields influenced the thought process?

Christina: When selecting artists for our exhibitions, our approach varies depending on the vision and message we hope to convey. For instance, our June exhibition, ‘Levitate,' delves into the expansion of reality, exploring imagination and fantasy through the perspectives of five women artists. While these artists use diverse styles and mediums, our thematic focus guides the selection process, resulting in a lineup united by a shared mission: to ignite a sense of wonder in visitors, encouraging them to transcend the ordinary and step into the intimate worlds of each artist.

We are also naturally drawn to artists who embrace unconventional approaches in their visual style, art-making process, or choice of subject matter. Their work exudes innovation, freshness, and youthfulness, even amidst their differences. This is particularly evident in 'Levitate', and from a curatorial perspective, I believe it significantly enriches the overall experience for our visitors as they navigate through the exhibition.

Community building seems to be an important aspect of Hayaty Diaries. Can you elaborate?

Kinzy: At Hayaty Diaries, community-building is the cornerstone of our mission. We are committed to cultivating a supportive space for artists from our region to come together and freely express themselves. Through our collaborative projects, exhibitions, and online engagement, Hayaty Diaries hopes to create a sense of belonging and empowerment. We encourage all of our artists to connect with each other, seek advice, and learn from one another. 

I remember the moment when I truly understood that community lies at the heart of what we do at Hayaty Diaries. Following our inaugural exhibition, 'Through Their Eyes,' we gathered most of our exhibiting artists in London for a dinner. As we sat around the table, laughing and sharing stories about the nuances of being an Arab woman, discussing the similarities between our Arab parents, and reflecting on our experiences navigating a world far from home, I realised the profound importance of a sense of community and support. In that moment, it dawned on me that we had inadvertently created something truly beautiful—by bringing women together, we were creating a space that was safe and nurturing for our artists, a sentiment deeply cherished at Hayaty Diaries. It is crucial for all of us to feel valued and heard by our chosen community as we navigate the world. 

What was the inspiration behind Levitate and how does it tie into the broader mission of Hayaty Diaries?

Christina: There is no denying the profound weight we, as Arab people, feel amidst the political, social, and humanitarian turmoil in our region. 'Levitate' was born from our recognition of this collective heartbreak, with a desire to offer our visitors a mental respite—a singular moment to disconnect and breathe through it all. As part of our broader mission at Hayaty Diaries, 'Levitate' embodies the transformative power of art as a temporary pause from the world. It serves as both a cathartic release and a source of rejuvenation, centred around themes of fantasy and imagination, introducing our visitors to worlds vastly different from our realities. Through this exhibition, we infuse light, colour, and wonder into a time when such elements often feel out of reach.

What do you hope to achieve via the exhibit?

Christina: The title 'Levitate' was chosen deliberately for its literal meaning, symbolising a delicate balance—hovering just above the ground without losing touch with reality. This is what 'Levitate' means to us, and what we hope the exhibition achieves for those who step through the doors of the Garden Walk Gallery in Shoreditch this June. Our wish is that each person leaves the exhibition feeling even slightly more recharged and prepared to face the present moment, acknowledging that amidst all the darkness, light and hope endure. Our goal is to create a space that revitalises and inspires, reigniting a sense of wonder and imagination in our audience that we often lose sight of with age. 

What are the challenges you've faced in bringing your vision to life, particularly when promoting Arab women artists into the contemporary art scene?

Kinzy: A challenge we have faced and continue to face in realising our vision is navigating issues of both  censorship and accessibility. We recognise that some audiences may perceive certain themes an artist may explore as controversial or culturally sensitive, and we also understand that this may limit artistic freedom. While we do understand the importance of cultural sensitivity, art has historically pushed boundaries; its purpose is to provoke thought and challenge conventions. Despite these challenges, our artists have demonstrated remarkable courage in creating without limitations. Another challenge we face is a lack of accessibility in reaching and connecting with new Arab women artists. We often come across difficulties in accessing a wide pool of artists so we actively encourage artists to reach out to us. 

How do you see Hayaty Diaries evolving in the future? What’s next?

Kinzy: In the near future, our main focus is to refine our ongoing exhibitions further and broaden our reach within London through both our collaborative projects and innovative showcases. We plan to continue breathing new life into the art world and revitalising the London art scene by embracing unconventional exhibition methods while also creating collective displays similar to our exhibition, 'Levitate'. We hope to continue exhibiting new artists with fresh perspectives and unique styles, aiming to introduce audiences to the creativity of young women from the region. 

Our vision for the future also extends beyond London. We hope to establish a global presence, particularly within the Arab world. If you would like to stay updated on our upcoming showcases, the best thing to do would be to follow us on Instagram  (@hayaty.diaries).

In what ways do you hope your collective will contribute to, and increase, the visibility for Arab women artists on a global scale and help in changing perceptions?

Christina: Kinzy and I often talk about how Hayaty Diaries is just a small piece of a much larger picture. What we are witnessing right now is a movement across various industries, including the creative space and beyond, where Arab women are stepping up and seizing their moment, and this is just the beginning. Our hope is to continue being a part of this movement, using our platform to share the courageous and vulnerable stories these women express through their art with the world. There is so much power and impact in these narratives, and we believe that the art speaks for itself in many ways. 

Looking ahead a few years, seeing the growth and success of these incredibly talented women artists and knowing that we played a role in their journeys, even in the smallest capacity, would signify that we've fulfilled our mission. Our primary focus is on creating opportunities for them to be heard, seen, and celebrated. Ultimately, if we achieve our objectives, perceptions of women from our region will inevitably shift because people will hopefully continue to embrace their work and the stories they choose to share. Even in the early stages of our Hayaty Diaries journey, people are realising that each woman we spotlight in our collective defies stereotypes through their fearless boldness and boundary-pushing creativity.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, who are looking to showcase their work and make an impact in the art world?

Kinzy: Art acts as a reflection of personal experiences and offers insight into how artists perceive the world and navigate their social and political contexts. As Arabs, we have a rich culture shaped by our history and many experiences; creating authentic art allows others to understand us better while allowing us to better understand ourselves. I would tell artists to embrace their unique perspective and cultural heritage, let it enrich their art and set them apart in the global art scene.

As an artist, don't be afraid to take creative risks and prioritise honesty and authenticity over the pursuit of perfection. Chasing perfection in art is futile because there is no universal standard for what constitutes perfect art. If you want to impact the world, liberate yourself to create freely but intentionally. 

It is also really important to stay connected with your community and fellow artists to access opportunities and support. While expressing yourself authentically, you should be mindful of the societal and political landscapes that may impact your ability to showcase your work freely within the region. Look for spaces and communities that champion artistic freedom, support your creative expression, and advocate for the right to share your unique voice without fear of censorship or suppression.  I would also suggest that they use social media and promote themselves on Instagram, as it is a great tool for finding collectors and growing their audience.

Can you share with us the stories behind some of the artists we can expect to see at the exhibit, and what makes them special?

Christina & Kinzy Joint Response: At our upcoming exhibition, ‘Levitate,’ visitors will encounter the fantastical works of five incredibly talented artists from Tunisia, Egypt, Iraq, Palestine, and Jordan.

Tunis-based painter Myriame Dachraoui will transport visitors into surreal landscapes, blending interior and exterior spaces with vibrant colors and a fusion of modern and ancient architecture. Themes of serenity, nostalgia, and heritage infuse her work, offering a deeply personal yet strangely familiar glimpse into her subconscious world.

Meanwhile, abstract artist Nour Ammar, based in Milan, channels raw emotion onto her canvases, exploring themes of movement and uncertainty that resonate with the human experience. Each stroke flows with fluidity and freedom, guiding viewers through her unconscious and encouraging reflection on their own emotions and life paths.

Iraqi-British painter Pippa El-Kadhi Brown delves into the enigmatic dialogue between domestic space and the human psyche, inspired by her childhood home and the unique worlds encapsulated within each place. In Pippa’s world, the line between reality and fantasy is blurred, people float as mysterious bodies, stars hover just our heads, and skies melt to the ground. 

Palestinian artist Raya Kassisieh uses textiles to create sculptural forms that explore her heritage and challenge body politics. In her rose sculptures, she infuses the flower with power and eroticism, defying traditional feminine narratives. Despite their delicate and ethereal appearance, these sculptures exude a solid and commanding presence, representing a balance of seemingly contradictory elements.

Jordanian-Palestinian artist Zein Majali delves into the post-colonial and globalised Middle East through her multi-disciplinary work, with a primary focus on the impact of internet culture on geopolitics and community dynamics. In “Refiner” Zein collaborates closely with artificial intelligence to conceptualise a functional sculpture that blends human and mechanical elements. This propels us into the future while still resonating with our present existence.

We are thrilled to share these remarkable works with our Hayaty Diaries audience in London this summer. Collaborating with these exceptionally talented artists has been an absolute delight as they join forces to bring 'Levitate' to life. We are confident that this collective of women will offer visitors a portal into each of their distinct worlds—a place of wonder where boundaries dissolve, and the mind is free to explore uncharted territories.

Credits

Photography: @elliotjameskennedy

Fashion editor: @nat_westernoff

Style: @suzannahsnow

Makeup: @anastasiaborovik_

Hair: @_uchinokura_hair

Production: @jj.mediagroup @naomibergau

Lighting: @jjlighting_

Studio: @jjstudioslondon_

Words: @jeannineyazbeck.ak