On Art and Discovery with Roudhah Al Mazrouei

Roudhah’s journey as an artist began in childhood, as it was rooted in her culture and the nomadic traditions of her ancestors. “I was always fascinated by the stories and landscapes of my homeland. Naturally, that led me to express myself through art,” she says.

As an artist, Roudhah turns to personal experiences, dreams, and the connection she feels to her cultural heritage for inspiration. She is especially drawn to the majestic landscapes of the Hajar Mountains and the stories of her ancestors. She also finds inspiration in the vibrant life of valley villages. Now she is exploring painting with natural pigments extracted from rocks of the Hajar Mountains to experiment with texture, color, and emotion.

“I immerse myself in research, sketches, and contemplation, allowing my concepts to evolve organically,” she explains. “My work is a dialogue between tradition and modernity. I aim to capture the essence of my subjects while exploring new narratives and techniques.”

For Roudhah, NYU Abu Dhabi was a perfect place to explore the intersection of visual arts and art history within a global context while also staying connected to her roots. The diverse and inclusive community, along with an interdisciplinary approach to education, was instrumental to Roudhah’s growth as an artist. What’s more, she completed courses that deepened her understanding of craft. And, she focused on visual arts techniques, art history, and cultural studies. The University’s world-class professors supported her artistic vision; they also challenged her to push boundaries and explore new dimensions in her work.

Roudhah also benefited from a wealth of resources at NYU Abu Dhabi, including studio spaces, galleries, and opportunities to collaborate with fellow artists and scholars. Additionally, she won the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance in 2023. In the future, Roudhah wants to delve deeper into public art projects and installations that engage communities and provoke thoughtful discourse on cultural and ecological issues. Also, she wants to expand her practice and impact in academia. Currently, she is pursuing an MFA at the Royal College of Art in London.

Roudhah plans to continue exploring the narratives that connect people to their environment and heritage. “To truly capture the essence of my work and vision, it is essential to understand that my art is more than a personal endeavor,” she says. “It is a tribute to the resilience and beauty of the Emirati spirit and landscape. It’s a call to preserve and cherish our cultural and ecological heritage. It invites viewers to embark on a journey of discovery and reflection.”