If you’ve already seen her amazing artworks on different mediums, or still FOMOing over the fact that she has met Dua Lipa in person, Abrar Zenkawi will never stop doing what she loves. Her passion for drawing began at a young age, what used to be a hobby has transformed into a story full of creativity and admiration.
Abrar is inspired by women from all over the world, her fashion illustrations caught the eye of celebrities such as Kendall Jenner and more. As she says herself “I’ll be honest, I don’t know why, but women, their faces and shapes are more interesting than men. So, women, beauty, fashion and let’s say stuff that is weird and different. Even a bee, if I see a bee it can inspire me to do something, I also love skulls!”
A creative at heart, Abrar’s art has gone beyond fashion illustrations, from walls, canvases, customized sneaks, cups, guitars, leather bags, denim, even people. She will stop at nothing until her artistic touch has been added. From time to time however, an artist is bound to face restrictions, and as Abrar explains to us “I really wish, in Kuwait, that I would be allowed to just choose a wall and paint, because I feel like it’s going to make everything look better. I don’t know why there are so many regulations, be it against the law or simply not allowed by norms. Sometimes, If I see a public wall and I really love it, I just want to paint on it.”
She has also received her share of rejection, be it from those who ask for more traditional art, or shockingly being told to stop what she’s doing because it is “uninspiring”. Yet, Abrar continues moving forward and proves that she is more than meets the eye. After Glamour Magazine in Hungary contacted her to collaborate, she instantly felt more motivated than ever. “It was one of the first commissions that I got, and I said to myself, ‘I can’t believe I’m doing this!’” she says.
The artist has also worked on workshops in collaboration with several companies, and some of them sold out completely. As she shares, “They had extra people coming in, and all of them are first timers, they had never illustrated anything before and they did an amazing job. I like the fact that people are interested in it [illustration], especially women. To be honest, a lot of girls have hobbies and are creative, but their parents or families won’t allow them, and I hate seeing that happening. But I’m glad, nowadays, I’m seeing more girls doing the things they love.”
Abrar has always emphasized on following your passions, no matter the outcome. Even after she went through an accident which affected her drawing abilities, she never stopped building talent, and bouncing back! She is hoping to get more international commissions and recognition in the future, as she tells us “I want to be out more, and I never want to stop.”
TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would your mother describe you in one word?
Different.
How would you describe your mother in one word?
Strong.
What is the most ridiculous question you’ve everbeen asked?
What did you eat to become tall? And the thing is, the person was so serious, they thought eating something would make them tall too, lol. It takes superpowers to be tall haha! 😛
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Ummm, booked a ticket without planning for it on thesame day of the flight.
What is your theme song?
Wonder Woman’s theme song haha!
What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
Unicorn… (Hmm, now I’m wondering who did?)
Where would you like to live?
On a private jet, so I can go anywhere, whenever I want. I’ll be on the go always.
What is your dream retirement location?
Gold Coast, maybe California. Somewhere where there is a beach so I can tan and chill all day.
What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
Never stop doing what you love, no matter what others think of it.
Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life?
Tiger, I guess. Because I love tigers!
Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what?
Not having responsibilities, being careless and eating a lot without caring about gaining weight.
If you could change your name, to what would you change it?
I don’t think my name suits me, but still I don’t know what I’d choose!
How would you describe your handshake, in one word?
Depends on who I’m hand shaking!!!!
What is the toughest part of your character?
I would listen to other’s opinions and advice but at the end of the day, I’ll still do what I want to… To me, I think that’s awesome haha, but to others I think they see it as an annoying part of me.
Who is your favorite historical figure?
Wonder Woman… (Historical fictional.. Cough cough).
What in the world do you least desire?
People who are so judgmental, full of hate, and always jealous and envying everyone. Oh, and nosy people.
What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place?
More love, peace, and optimism.
Why do you think most people who do, like you?
I don’t know, maybe because I’m not judgmental, easy going, and I’d like to think that I’m funny?! I think people who like me should answer not me.
Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…”
Travelling, music, food, beach, shopping… Oh wait, basically, it’s an “Open unlimited credit card” forever and ever!
For more information, follow @abrarzenkawi on Instagram and check out her amazing artworks! Photography done by Yaser, @graphy.z on Instagram.
