Artist Biography

Nariman Mohamed Yousry is an Egyptian contemporary artist, born in Egypt in 1990. Her artistic practice explores themes of female identity, self-worth, inner strength and the relationship between women and the roles imposed upon them by society and everyday life.

Nariman has participated in national and international exhibitions and has presented two solo exhibitions. Her exhibition history includes the Tepecik Festival in Turkey (2010), Symposium Ehden in Lebanon (2018), and the virtual solo exhibition Be You (2023). Her work has also received awards, medals and certificates of appreciation.

Working across ink drawing, collage, watercolour and coloured pencil,Nariman creates richly layered compositions in which figurative imagery, expressive mark-making, ornamental patterns and Arabic calligraphy interact with one another. Her female figures often appear surrounded by vibrant colour, intricate textures and symbolic elements, creating a visual language that combines strength and delicacy.

A recurring concern in her work is the importance of returning to the self - recognising one's own value, reconnecting with one's inner voice and allowing women to exist beyond the expectations placed upon them. Through her practice, Nariman seeks to celebrate the woman as an independent individual whose sense of self can become a source of strength and transformation.

Artist Statement

I do not try to simply paint women. I try to restore their connection to themselves.

To me, a woman is not a shadow of anyone else. She is the root - a source of strength, giving and life. Yet, within the many roles that society and everyday life ask her to fulfil, her own voice can sometimes become distant. My work is an attempt to bring that voice back to the centre.

I am interested in the moment when a woman turns inward and begins to recognise her own worth. My figures are therefore not only portraits; they represent states of consciousness, strength and self-discovery. Through layered compositions, expressive lines, collage, colour and Arabic calligraphy, I explore the tension between the identities we are expected to perform and the self that exists beneath them.

I use warm, vibrant colours to express the energy of giving and inner strength, while strong lines and intricate patterns create a sense of structure and resilience. Light becomes an important metaphor in my work - the inner light that guides us and reminds us that we must first recognise and care for ourselves.

At the heart of my practice is a simple question:

When was the last time you truly chose yourself?

I believe that a woman's value should not be measured only by what she gives to others, but also by the love, respect and appreciation she gives herself. A woman who knows and loves herself can reclaim her voice, her strength and her place in the world - and from that inner transformation, she can begin to change the world around her.