Abdulaziz AlEssa is a cinematographer currently pursuing a degree at Gulf University for Science and Technology in Kuwait. AlEssa always pushes the creative boundaries to shed light on untold stories and narratives. He shares with Lulu AlAbdulmoghni a passion for visual storytelling, which led to the birth of Redain.
Lulu AlAbdulmoghni is currently pursuing a degree in Fine Arts in Los Angeles, CA. Her strong passion for storytelling led her to pursue a career as a creative director and co-author of photographic books. AlAbdulmoghni directed several short marketing films in advertisement, as well as other short films highlighting the beach life in Kuwait. She co-founded Redain, a platform dedicated to highlighting the beauty of overlooked places in Kuwait. AlAbdulmoghni’s future projects aim to celebrate the richness of the Middle East’s landscapes and culture.
Ahmed Al Houli is a digital illustrator, animator, and director. He holds a bachelor's degree in architecture from Kuwait University and an M.A. in animation and film from Hochschule Luzern - Design und Kunst in Switzerland.
His interdisciplinary approach merges animation with ethnobotany, focusing on Kuwait’s native flora and cultural identity.
Al Houli uses animation to resonate with varied audiences, with a particular interest in neurodiversity. His work aims to challenge conventional perspectives, emphasize inclusivity and preserve indigenous knowledge.
His work also critiques the adoption of foreign symbols, advocating instead for narratives rooted in Kuwaiti history and values.
Deema AlGhunaim is a multidisciplinary artist. Her site-specific practice involves etymological and mythological contemplation through immediate and improvised methods; including raw footage, performance and watercolour. Maintaining a strong connection to Kuwaiti landscapes, AlGhunaim’s work reflects nodes of resistance and decay in contemporary systems. AlGhunaim holds a degree in architecture from Kuwait University and an MFA from The Ruskin School of Art (University of Oxford). She is an active member of Safat Studios and other artist-run initiatives.
Farah K. Behbehani is a multidisciplinary artist, she holds a Master of Arts in Communication Design from Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design, London, in 2007.
Behbehani practice reflects her desire and passion to rediscover and employ different forms traditional Islamic art with contemporary insight. Ranging from works on paper and canvas to immersive multimedia installations and intricate embroidery, her works examine various themes including the interpretations of light, the female voice, spiritual awakening and the Divine. Highlighting her mastery of Arabic lettering, Behbehani’s practice focuses on continuously investigating its layered meanings and exploring the boundaries of its physical form – physical, mystical and metaphorical.
Behbehani participated in numerous shows internationally, including The Kennedy Center (Washington D.C.), Haus Der Kunst (Munich), and the King Abdulaziz Center for World (Dhahran). Recent installations include ‘The Path of Light’, which was shown at the ‘Awwal Bait’: Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah (2023). Farah’s immersive installation ‘Hiya’ was shortlisted for the third edition of the Richard Mille Art Prize (2023), currently being exhibited at the Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi.
Huda Abdulmughni is a Kuwaiti photographer, specializing in portraiture and place across different photographic media and techniques. Abdulmughni studied interior design in Amman (Jordan) before moving into photography.
Her work captures natural light and familiar objects, setting her subjects in their own unaltered environments. Abdulmughni’s practice is inspired and fueled by her curiosity for the world around her, with a particular emphasis on capturing individual stories.
Jassim AlNasrallah is a self-taught calligraphist and multidisciplinary artist. He learned calligraphy from his older brother then began a journey of exploring his own artistic style. AlNasrallah practice involves ink, sculpture and performance art. AlNasrallah’s work explores the spiritual and philosophical dimensions of Islamic calligraphy through presentation in contemporary contexts.
AlNasrallah’s work adorns historic buildings throughout the Middle-East. Notable examples include the Kuwait Opera House, the Qatar National Museum and the House of Wisdom in Sarjah.
Dr. Jawaher AlBader is an artist and architect. Specializing in studio-based instruction. Dr. AlBader holds a Ph.D. in Art Education from the Pratt Institute (New York) and was a professor at Kuwait University’s Department of Visual Communication Design at the College of Architecture. She is also the founder of Art Studio Kuwait, a communal space fostering artistic exploration and collaboration.
It is a vibrant and dynamic tribute to the cherished tradition of teatime in Kuwaiti homes. The painting captures the warmth and nostalgia of these gatherings, where family and friends come together in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The intuitive forms and motifs—most notably the "Istikana" tea cup—symbolize the essence of these moments, rich in connection and shared stories.
To revive her own memories of teatime with her grandparents and great-grandparents, Dr. AlBader invited children to contribute to this piece, creating an open and collaborative artistic expression. This inclusivity mirrors the spirit of Arabic teatime, where people of all ages come together in conversation, creativity and community.
Mahmoud Shaker is a prolific artist, calligrapher and writer, with a practice devoted to blending storytelling with visual art. He holds a bachelor degree in Mass communication from Kuwait university. Alongside three previous solo exhibitions and participation in numerous art shows, he is the author of seven publications. His multidisciplinary approach incorporates oil, acrylic, ink and mixed media. Through his work, Shaker seeks to evoke introspection and foster emotional connection with audiences.
Manal AlMaimouni is a Kuwaiti artist and designer who reinterprets the rich weaving traditions of the Arabian Gulf with a contemporary touch. Deeply inspired by her heritage, she celebrates the role of women in art and craftsmanship, weaving narratives of identity, beauty, and environment. Her work revitalises Bedouin techniques for the modern world, bridging tradition with innovation. Exhibited internationally, Manal offers a unique perspective on cultural heritage and contemporary artistry. Al Maimouni work was exhibited in the UK, USA, Malysia, and other countries.
Mishari AlNajjar is a multidisciplinary artist and architect. His research focuses on Kuwait’s urban landscape, creating work that integrates architecture, textiles and storytelling. A graduate of the American University of Sharjah, AlNajjar’s art has been showcased in Sadu House and Misk Art Institute. He is the co-founder of in narrative, an exploratory platform focusing on interdisciplinary architectural discourse.
Mohammed AlKouh’s photographic practice spans analogue techniques, archival material and hand-drawn elements. His work explores the transience of memory, aiming to bridge past and present through evocative themes of identity and nostalgia.
Yahya AlAyoub holds a degree from the American University of Kuwait. AlAyoub is a furniture designer and an artist. Inspired by Kuwait’s marine life and maritime heritage, he employs gyotaku (a traditional Japanese technique of printing using ink applied to fish). Combined with the use of palm-leaf paper, AlAyoub’s material practice honors the deep connection between Kuwait’s land and sea.
AlAyoub’s detailed fish prints celebrate Kuwait’s ecological balance, emphasizing the delicate harmony between nature and culture. His work invites viewers to appreciate the beauty of Kuwait’s natural heritage through modern craftsmanship that showcases traditional techniques. The Japanese process of manual printing requires around 6-7 hours, reflecting the meticulous effort and precision required to capture every intricate detail.
Yasmeen Abdal is a multidisciplinary Kuwaiti visionary designer and artist. Her work involves architecture, sculpture, printmaking, and installation, and explores cultural narratives. Abdal’s work is inspired by Kuwaiti heritage and cultural narrative where she reinterprets tradition through contemporary design, crafting immersive spatial experiences that evoke memory and identity. She participated in Kuwait’s National Pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2023. Currently pursuing her MFA at Pratt Institute, she continues to push the boundaries of architecture as a vessel for cultural expression.