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| Sarah Younes |
As a lot of Lebanese artists, Sarah relocated to Europe in order to pursue her dreams, but she still keeps Lebanon in her heart and in her work.
Her art is raw and stems from a mix of inspirations. Starting as a Graphic Design and Multimedia student at Notre Dame University in Lebanon, she moved on to study at the Rome University of Fine Arts in Rome, Italy. There, she has made a name for herself among the local and expat art community by exhibiting her work and taking on several interesting projects.
As I am also currently living in Rome, I am happy to say I got to see one of her exhibitions, and I could not be prouder, for she is spreading the face of Lebanese talent and art abroad, instead of the face of corruption and violence which Lebanon is mostly known for overseas.
Sarah has been a good friend of mine ever since our teenage years, and I am very proud to be sharing her work and a little bit about her background.
· · What moved you to start down this path?
When I was around 15, my mother took me to an exhibition at a small art studio in Jounieh, and I saw this 8 year old boy named Abraham who was exhibiting these beautiful sunset paintings, and I was just amazed at hearing him talk about his future and how he wanted to become an artist. Deep down inside, I always wanted to pursue this path, but in Lebanon it was a little more than improbable. So, seeing this kid with huge sparkling eyes talking about his passion made me feel like giving up on my dream without giving it a proper fight would be a waste of a future.
· · How old were you when you decided this is what you wanted to do?
When I was around 17, I had been learning painting for 2 years and had two options for my future, to either go into a scientific field related to Biochemistry, or to go along with what I loved to do, which was, and still is, Arts. I had some difficulties with my graduate studies since there were no Fine Arts programs at NDU, so I chose to pursue a degree in Graphic Design-Multimedia, which would give me the tools that were essential in becoming a contemporary multidisciplinary artist.
· · Where do you get your ideas from?
Usually, my ideas are a mixture of internal and external factors, and they always represent my perspective on the matters at hand. I have had the fortune to have friends and family that fuel my quest for truth and reason with intellectual discussions regarding politics, arts, psychology, science etc… Those discussions brew inside me images that I usually translate into visual arts, using whichever medium is appropriate.
· · Is there a main message you’d like to get across through your work?
Well, my messages are in constant growth and evolution, depending on the situation I find myself in while working. Since a huge part of my formation was teaching, I love to transmit the passion of creation to others. I don't believe an artist should transmit messages blindly, so I like to think of my art as a constant conversation with my environment.
· · How would you define your technique?
Well, if you look at my portfolio, it includes a broad range of techniques from digital, to hand-made art. My technique is specific to the task, and it is never one style that repeats itself. So as you would imagine, defining my work as a technique is quite difficult. I am passionate, however about oil painting. The feeling I get while mixing my colors and creating a painting using my body and senses is extremely satisfying.
· · What pushed you to relocate to Rome, Italy?
Ever since I was 16, I've had this recurring dream of painting in Italy and being immersed in an environment where art literally makes up the road you walk on everyday. When I was 18, I had my first art show in Lebanon, where I was verbally attacked by a man about the age of my father, who threw one of my paintings to the ground and called me a whore for exhibiting a topless nude oil painting. After that, I tried ‘til I was about 23 to change the Lebanese views on arts and educate the less informed about what artists are and how important it is to nurture that aspect of our existence. The breaking point came when a close person to me told me I would never make it as an artist in Italy, and I just took it as a challenge.
· · What do you miss about Lebanon?
My family and friends obviously :) I am very attached to my family, so being away from them for long periods at a time is hard on me. Also, my friends keep my soul afloat, so being far away is a struggle at times. Building meaningful relationships takes time, so being a foreigner and trying to create a healthy environment for yourself is a challenge.
· · What is your favorite piece that you’ve created so far?
One of my favorite pieces is "Expand your Mind", a kinetic sculpture I made for university last year. It was inspired by the concept of neuroplasticity, and it took a lot of research and work to make. It took me a whole semester to complete, so seeing it finalized gave me a sense of achievement and satisfaction.
· · What or who is your inspiration?
Inspiration, for me, is a state of being. It is usually triggered by a set of events or situations that correspond to my internal environment. So, basically, when I find myself in a state of inspiration, which I cannot control, I just immerse myself in my work and make the run to home base :)
· · What are you currently working on?
Other than my thesis project for my specialization, I am excited to be working on a performative installation that treats my views on the situation in the Middle East. Also, I am preparing an Arts workshop for the MAAM museum in Rome, where I will be using arts as a medium to work with underprivileged, immigrant children. I believe artists hold a big responsibility towards today's society, and I want to use what little I know to try to create a better and brighter tomorrow.
· · What is it like being a Lebanese artist in Rome?
It's quite interesting and challenging at the same time. Sometimes, people get fixated on where I come from and slightly dismiss my work for a greater interest in Lebanon, but I am quite pleased to tell them about my beautiful and messed up homeland. Using that interest to showcase my work is giving me a greater appreciation for Lebanon and all it has given me from the good to the bad.
· · How do you view the Lebanese art scene?
Like everything else in Lebanon, it is a beautiful paradox, and I believe the artists that make up the scene as a whole are the bravest warriors we have. They fight to send their messages, and sometimes just to exist, and I have an eternal appreciation and respect to everyone standing by their voice and work in a place where it is easy to get brushed under the rug and forgotten.
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| "Beirut Rising" |
· · Which of your pieces do you feel most represents you as an artist (your style/technique)? What about as a person (your feelings/character)?
My thesis project, which is entitled "Fly with me | Adventures of a psychonaut | Neuroscience, Art and Everything beyond", is a work in progress that includes some of my writings, paintings, and digital art and represents me as techniques and thoughts as well. It is a two-year project, which I will hopefully complete by the beginning of summer, this year. It has been challenging, keeping true to my vision and adapting to the things I learn everyday, but I am quite confident I will be able to have an honest and real project that shows my nature as an artist and human being.
· · How can you compare the Roman/Italian art scene with the Lebanese art scene?
I can't. It is simply not a valid comparison. Each place has its own history, culture, and circumstances. Comparing both art scenes would be an injustice to both scenes that have quite different manifestations and realities behind them.
· · What words of advice can you give to aspiring artists?
In today's world, it is easy to give up on your views for an easier or more profitable path. My only piece of advice would be to never compromise your vision. Winston Churchill says something that resonates deeply with me. He said, "The empires of the future are the empires of the mind". He was giving a kind of prelude to the power of communication in our times, so be mindful of what you communicate and stay true :) Cheers xx
You can check out her Behance profile here. Best of luck to you, Sarah!
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