the inquiry with micheline nohra

describe your work in three words

i would say bold, colorful and personalized.

if your art could talk, what would it say?

it will scream that it is a multifaceted human being: “i can be happy and sad, i can cry and laugh, i can be nice and mean ... i have fears and phobias ... i can be evil and animal ... i don’t care”.

what gets your imagination going?

a wide variety of things like people, emotions, feelings, shapes, forms, nature’s colors and the sky.

besides your computer/phone, what is the one thing you cannot work without?

creativity. without it you can be a painter, but not an artist.

what is it like being an arab artist these days?

art is an international language. arab artists, like their peers, are inspired by their cultural heritage or current political climate, war and migration. all artists, arab or not, are using social media to find inspiration, access education, explain their vision, promote their work, gain exposure, and sell their pieces through online galleries and art fairs. selling art has become easier nowadays.

can you name three arab artists that have influenced you the most, and why?

let’s start with chawki chamoun, who is mainly inspired by his cultural heritage. that muse is reflected in his style, technique and blend of abstract and figurative. then, samia halaby and the rhythm in her paintings. i can hear music when admiring her colors, composition, and her confident yet spontaneous brushstrokes. last but not least, hussain madi, he finds the right balance between modern and traditional in his bold colors and geometric shapes.

why should the world seek arab art?

why shouldn’t they? art is international. art is a shared human experience. art honors cultural diversity, history and traditions. some arab artists are gaining recognition. their talent is transcending their nationalities. art lovers don’t distinguish between an arab or american artist. we don't look at art with our eyes, we look at it with our heart.

what are your five all-time favorite movies?

it is the sound of music, the godfather, beautiful mind, forrest gump and milk.

what are three songs from your work playlist?

shake it off, rap god and lose yourself.

can you remember the specific moment when you decided to become an artist?

my fascination came from reading comic books and watching cartoons. i was, and still am, impressed by shapes, colors, creativity and technique.

what's next for micheline nohra?

to keep on painting. i see my passion for art as a gift from god, and i am thankful for it.