Dubai-based abstract artist Äj is known for her energetic and striking pieces that capture the emotional power of colour. Right now, her work is on display at Avid Learning on Al Khayat Avenue and keeps pulling people in with its raw, unfiltered energy.
From a childhood painting that stayed with her for decades to developing her artistic practice later in life, Äj reflects on her journey through the arts, the evolution of her work and where she finds inspiration today.
Art in the Middle caught up with Äj to talk about her artistic journey, the inspirations behind her vibrant practice and the moments that have shaped her career so far.
Art has been part of my life for much longer than I realised. My very first painting was a small fish I created when I was five years old, a piece that my family kept and that still holds a special place in my story today.
However, I only truly embraced my artistic path at age 40. After years working in the luxury industry and living between Paris, Geneva, London and Dubai, I felt a growing need for a form of expression that words could not fully capture.
Painting became that language. What started as a personal exploration quickly evolved into a passion and eventually a vocation. Through art, I found a way to transform emotions, memories and life experiences into something visual, intuitive and deeply human.
My journey has been shaped by living between different cities and cultures. Paris taught me elegance and structure, Geneva a sense of calm and connection to nature, London creative freedom, and Dubai the courage to fully embrace my artistic path.
I began with highly colourful and expressive works inspired by places, travels and emotions. Over time, my practice evolved into more personal and symbolic bodies of work such as Talisman and, more recently, Fragments of Life.
Today, my work explores transformation, resilience, memory and the emotional traces that shape who we become. While my visual language continues to evolve, the intention remains the same: creating emotional connections through colour, symbols and abstraction.
Going back to this, my first painting. At the age of five, I painted a small fish during a school activity. At the time, it seemed insignificant, but my family kept it and over the years it became a symbol of something much bigger.
In my family, the fish represents protection, abundance and good fortune. Looking back, I see it as the beginning of a creative journey that would take decades to fully reveal itself.
It reminds me that some stories begin much earlier than we think.
Inspiration for me rarely comes from one place alone. I love exploring Alserkal Avenue and the galleries of DIFC, but I also find inspiration in much quieter moments.
Dubai itself is a constant source of creativity. Its multicultural energy, architecture, contrasts and the diversity of people who call it home continue to influence the way I see the world.
Some of my best ideas emerge during long walks, meaningful conversations, visits to wellness spaces, or simply observing everyday life. Inspiration often appears when we slow down enough to notice it.
Visit: thecolorfulworldof_aj
