NOURI FLAYHAN IS A STORY TELLER, ILLUSTRATOR AND ARTIST BASED IN DUBAI

We discuss her exceptional following on Instagram, the rise of the visual artists and how she found her path

- NATALIE WESTERNOFF

How have your artistic intentions evolved and do you think topically when you produce a piece of work? I believe my that the representation of women from our region and those surrounding it is one of the things that brought in all the incredible followers to my page. Growing up I never saw girls/women in illustrated story books, advertisements, magazine and media that looked like me or anyone around me and so that is something I vowed to change as I grew up. I want everyone to feel represented.

I speak up through my art on topics like women’s rights in the MENA region. I highlight women from the region who are creating an impact in their fields, speak on the climate crisis that is present, bring awareness to revolutions that are breaking out. I use my voice to tell stories that matter, stories of those who are silenced, stories that shake us to the core and speak our truth.

Has social media helped you to progress your goals as an artist?

It definitely tore down borders for me. My work is shared across them and is able to reach people all around the world, which is truly the most emotional reward. The impact of visual storytelling is far greater than we understand and know, it always blows me away when people reach out and thank me for creating art that speaks to them, art that they see themselves in, or art that brings awareness to what is happening around us. I also believe we all have a social responsibility in this day and age and social media is the outlet to spread awareness and truth on.

What do you want people to feel when they see your artworks?