Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — Mishael Htemy Almandeel a.k.a Mousha is part of the booming Saudi art scene.



Based in Riyadh, she introduced other alternate uses to the traditional canvas for fashionable pop art, which is still relatively new in the region. Mousha’s art is seen on newspapers, card decks and chairs rather than on customary canvas, giving an alternative twist to pop art drawings.



Mousha told Saudi Gazette: “Since I was a child, I always had an interest in coloring. And while growing up, I began trying to draw everything that I liked. This progressed until I found pop art. I started looking into Andy Warhol works. Then, I fell in love.”



Mousha is working on several new projects and also sells her work online using social media portals.



“In 2008 I challenged myself to start drawing stencils and painting pop art paintings.



“I used to draw and paint everything from portraits to landscape and animals.



“I just lived through my art and began to improve my skills. It worked and I began to get into that.”



She added: “The newspaper added something to the painting, so I thought to myself I wanted to start drawing on other things and be more creative with my work.



“I thought of everything but I loved the idea of drawing on chairs so I started drawing on them and it turned out to be a good idea since it made my art and my paintings look more interesting.



“I began to show my art collection and thought of selling them.



“That’s when my brand Mousha first started. It’s a brand that is revolved around my art.”



Mousha has exhibited at Luthan Hotel and spa as well as the Maison Bo-M store. Her biggest achievement was developing her own identity and establishing a client database. “I showcased my work in various exhibitions around town.”



Talking about the state of progress in the Kingdom, she said: “The progress is not as fast as I wish it was but I am grateful. However, I see some progress in art around the Kingdom such as establishing galleries and so forth.”



Social media plays a significant role in facilitating art and artists in Saudi Arabia. “Social media played a big role in the sense that my clients and also new clients can see my new artwork and upcoming news. It made it easier for them to place orders and know what is going on with my work.”