Meet Filwa Nazer: The Saudi Artist Blending Emotions and Memories in Her Art
In the realm of conceptual art, Filwa Nazer stands out as a visionary artist with a deep connection to her work. Born in Swansea, Wales in the 1970s and raised in Saudi Arabia, Nazer’s love for art has been a constant throughout her life. Despite the lack of art education in Saudi Arabia during her youth, Nazer found solace in drawing, painting, and reflecting on life.
A Journey Through Fabrics and Emotions
After moving to Milan in the 1990s and studying fashion design, Nazer trained under the renowned Italian designer Gianfranco Ferré. Immersed in the world of fashion and textiles, Nazer found inspiration in vintage garments and embroidery. These experiences laid the foundation for her recent work, which delves deeply into fabrics with an emotional touch.
Exploring Significant Works
From large-scale installations to intimate fabric pieces, Nazer’s art is a reflection of her personal experiences and emotions. Let’s dive into six significant works that showcase Nazer’s unique artistic vision.
‘The Skin I Live In’
In this 2019 installation, Nazer delves into the world of textiles, creating a piece that serves as a metaphor for healing and protection. Utilizing muslin cotton and polyethylene, Nazer weaves a narrative of landscapes of emotions through stitching, drawing on her personal journey for inspiration.
‘Preserving Shadows’
Part of Desert X AlUla, this piece by Nazer explores the concept of transition and overcoming darkness. Set in the challenging environment of AlUla desert, Nazer’s work invites viewers on a journey through shadows, symbolizing a metaphorical ascent from darkness to light.
‘The Hands Want To See, The Eyes Want To Caress’
Displayed in the exhibition “Saudi Modern,” these pieces by Nazer are a response to the modernist architecture of Jeddah. Through wood and fabric, Nazer explores the beauty of degradation and abandonment, questioning society’s perception of discarded spaces.
‘Five Women’
Commissioned for the Diriyah Biennale, this series by Nazer tells the stories of five Saudi women through their relationship with their bodies. Each piece embodies a different narrative, highlighting themes of pain, coming of age, and societal expectations of beauty.
‘Missing A Rib’ (2019)
Inspired by Nazer’s personal experiences, this transparent sculptural piece delves into themes of patriarchy and control. Through a broken rib cage structure, Nazer symbolizes the influence of masculine energy on women’s spaces, drawing on the symbolism of Adam and Eve.
‘Topoanlysis’
One of Nazer’s latest works, this piece for Selma Feriani Gallery explores the intersection of personal garments and living spaces. With a focus on patterns and symbolism, Nazer delves into the philosophical exploration of space, emotions, and socio-political influences.