When the chance of studying abroad comes along, many of us would jump at the once in a lifetime opportunity. Fatemah Dashti is currently studying Architectural Engineering at the University of Liverpool. The 20-year-old artist with a mind full of creativity, is not only in her final year of her degree, but she is also flourishing with her expressive art.
When Fatemah decided to take her art more seriously, it was because of her growing need to express herself rather than it just being a simple hobby. She says, “At the beginning it started off with self-portraits because I really liked the idea of me being the subject of my own art, and it’s a way of expressing myself. At the time, I felt like the best way to express myself is to paint myself.”
What inspires Fatemah the most to create more art are three things; Her surroundings, people, and society which is also connected to her journey abroad. “People started inspiring me, so coming here [to Liverpool], being around different people and a different art community, it kind of made me feel more confident in sharing,” she says. Over the past years, Fatemah started interacting with the art community in the UK, found them to be very supportive, and they have given her a platform where she can share her art, but more importantly, sell it in galleries too.
Yet, if you look at the progression of her paintings, you’ll notice the slow but sure transition from self-portraits to deeper themes. Fatemah explains, “I still do self-portraits but I’ve moved on, to other things. Recently, most of my art has been revolving around being in a society or a culture and not fitting into a box.” She sometimes uses Arabic phrases to make her art more connected to her hometown, Kuwait. But, Fatemah has also used it for those who may be feeling the same way she does, “Sometimes although you don’t feel like a misfit, you do feel like you’re scared to be judged because maybe you’re different,” she says.
In her art, Fatemah constantly uses the eyes as an element, however, the meaning behind it has changed as well. At first, they represented the eyes of people in society, and instead of her painting a group of people, she painted eyes in the sense of observation. It has now taken a detour into subjectivity. As Fatemah says “The meaning of eyes can change very quickly, so it started off from being the eyes of society to maybe myself, in my own eyes.”
While Fatemah continues completing her degree abroad, and cultivating her experiences with her own art, she likes to find a balance between both instead of prioritizing one. Embracing both journeys by sharing her art as well as studying. Fatemah essentially wants her art to be expressive and relatable, “Especially to young people who may feel held back,” she says. For now, she’s happy with the exposure she’s receiving, placing herself out there with the rest of the art community, and soon enough she’ll be willing to do the same here in K-town.
TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE
How would your mother describe you in one word?
Creative.
How would you describe your mother in one word?
Patient.
What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?
If I regret studying abroad, the answer is, “no”.
What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Went on a five-hour hike with no map, just followed the trails.
What is your theme song?
“The Truth” by Foster The People.
What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?
Memento.
Where would you like to live?
I live in Liverpool now and I love it, time will tell.
What is your dream retirement location?
I’d travel to different places. One location seems a little limiting.
What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?
“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.” -Robert Frost
Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life?
A turtle.
Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what is it?
Having no responsibilities.
If you could change your name, to what would you change it?
I wouldn’t, it’s part of who I am.
How would you describe your handshake, in one word?
Neutral.
What is the toughest part of your character?
Persistence.
Who is your favorite historical figure?
Frida Kahlo, she inspires me in being authentic and standing out even when culture or society might not be accepting.
What in the world do you least desire?
To live a life that is not authentic.
What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place?
Mutual understanding.
Why do you think most people who do, like you?
I am often complimented on my creativity and my ability to listen and give advice.
Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…”
Everywhere.
Check out more of Fatemah’s art on her Instagram page @fatemahsthoughts.
