In this interview Nissa Raad, an Amman-based visual artist known for her bold style, expressive lines and vibrant colours, delves deeper into her artistic practice and career.

Elina Sairanen: Dear Nissa, it’s great to meet you. Could you please introduce yourself to our readers? 

Nissa Raad: Hello! My full name is Fakhrelnissa Raad, but everyone calls me Nissa. I’m a Jordanian artist living in Amman. I’m half Swedish on my mother’s side and have Turkish roots from my father’s side–so it’s an eclectic background which has influenced my style of art. I’m a mom of two teenage boys and a girl; they are my inspiration and motivation. 

ES: Your grandmother Fahrelnissa Zeid (1901-1991) was a celebrated abstract artist. I’m sure everyone asks you this, but did your grandmother influence your decision to become an artist? Were you engaged with artmaking from a young age and at what age did you decide to pursue a career in the arts? 

NR: I was drawn to art at a very early age and was of course really inspired by my late grandmother. Her home and studio had incredible character and as a child I was mesmerised by her vibrant paintings, which covered every visible surface–walls, ceilings and even floors. This had a lasting effect on me and my approach to art throughout my life. She passed away when I was only 10 years old but I have very vivid memories of her and the times I spent in her home/studio. From a very young age she encouraged me to paint freely and expressively, and always with a lot of vibrant colour. When my children were younger, I didn’t have much time for art but it always remained a passion of mine, and luckily I’ve managed to revisit it professionally. 

ES: You received your Bachelor’s in history from Brown University and then pursued a Master’s in urban development and design at UCL. Could you tell us more about your educational background, the choice of not going into an art school and then becoming an artist?

NR: As a young adult I wasn’t sure what career to pursue, but I knew it had to be something creative. I took some art courses in college but it took many years for me to convince myself that a career in art was worth pursuing. Exposing your work can be very daunting. Most artists are their own worst critics! However as time passes, a person often reverts back to their lifelong passions and that’s what I did. One of my favourite sayings is ‘turn your passion into your job and you’ll never work a day in your life’. 

ES: How would you describe the development of your practice and career? You have noted earlier that urban landscapes have been a central theme in your work. Considering your background in urban studies, could you elaborate more on this interest? From an artist’s perspective, what is it about the urban that interests you?

NR: I’ve always had an appreciation for architecture and urban environments and while studying for my masters in urban design, I became obsessed with cityscapes, streetscapes and urban spaces–all the little details that make up a home, a street or a neighbourhood–particularly those in the Middle East–external details that leave you wondering about the lives of its inhabitants. In urban design, a ‘good street’ is one in which you can chat with your neighbour without having to shout over traffic noise or worry about your safety. So my earlier paintings evoke memories of simpler times. The Hara is a word that is nostalgic and sentimental to many people and I’ve always loved the older neighbourhoods of Amman. In fact, Amman is often referred to as the White City, and as a child I wanted to colour each house a different colour, as if the city was a blank canvas–so I guess that was my first inspiration. 

ES: What are the recurring themes in your work? Your work is colourful and whimsical. Do you consider yourself an abstract artist? What does abstraction mean for you? Building from this and considering your grandmother’s legacy as a groundbreaking abstract artist, how do you negotiate your own position; I’m sure this is a comparison you have also heard often. 

NR: Evolving is part of the artistic journey and the beauty of art is freedom–so I’m constantly discovering new techniques and inspired by different things. Sometimes it’s the lyrics of a song, sometimes a deep emotion, sometimes a walk somewhere in nature. Most  inspiration comes from both urban and natural environments and I hope I’ve managed to establish my own recognisable style–so I don’t feel compelled to stick to any one subject. In general I have a weakness for symbolism and soulful subjects, and no matter what I create there’s usually a dash of whimsy. Colour, all forms of contrast and interesting textural juxtapositions through mixed media are things I focus on. I don’t have a specific process–I just paint until I feel no visual anxiety coming from the canvas. In the early days of the pandemic, while being stuck indoors and ‘in the city’, I continued to paint my city paintings. I usually never add figures or people–so this time they felt very reflective of the eerily quiet city around me. As time progressed however, I started feeling really stuck, physically and mentally. I was craving travel and nature. I wanted out of the city–literally and artistically. So I began painting things that were more from nature and less man-made; things that were culturally symbolic such as pomegranates and fish, and often extending into abstraction. The relationship between cities and nature is often on my mind. Of course when I started experimenting with abstraction my grandmother’s style inevitably inspired me. Like her, I prefer bold lines, vivid colour, and interesting texture. She often painted impulsively and I can see why–because the less you think, the better. It’s actually very difficult to create abstract works because of the total freedom–but it’s very enjoyable and unpredictable. I’m not sure I consider myself an ‘abstract artist’ yet, but I’m heading in that direction I think! And I do think my grandmother would have approved of my work–or at least I hope so!

ES: What are you working on at the moment? Considering your practice, what are your plans for the upcoming year? Any new exhibitions in sight?

NR: At the moment I’m still experimenting with abstracts–mostly using collage. They’re feeling very botanical and organic to me which I like. I recently had my fourth solo exhibition in Amman which thankfully sold out. I also took part in the Egypt International Art Fair in Cairo and will also participate in Art Dubai in March. As for other plans this year I hope to take part in several art fairs in Europe and perhaps one in Amman.   

ES: You are based in Amman, how would you describe the art scene in the Jordanian capital? On a different note, what kind of advice would you give to aspiring or emerging artists?

NR: I think Jordan has taken great strides in encouraging local artists and providing platforms for them both here and abroad. There is so much talent out there that needs to be nurtured and brought to light. The art scene in Amman has grown a lot and young artists are being offered many new opportunities; there has been an emergence of many new galleries and art spaces as well as various different art events in recent years aimed at showcasing established artists as well as emerging ones. Social media is also playing an important role in launching new local talent, allowing them to make important connections and exposing their work.  

However, I do feel there is a general fear among local artists to take risks and to veer away from ‘comfortable’ themes, which can get repetitive at times. The perspective of what constitutes art could be broadened here in Amman. Art should evoke and provoke, not merely ‘decorate’. It shouldn’t be an afterthought, it should be the star of space. Moreover, I often find that many are easily lured by commercialism, which I feel can kill creativity. Thus my advice to emerging artists would be to retain your unique creative soul as much as possible, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Be bold, be different, be original. Don’t cater to people’s tastes and try to take risks. People don’t have to understand your art, they don’t even have to like it. If you like it, then that’s enough. Enjoy the process. Art is the ultimate expression of self–so don’t care too much about it matching somebody’s couch.

Check out Nissa’s Instagram here and her website here.