About Soraya

Biography

Soraya Darwish is an Egyptian experimental artist and graphic designer with a hiccup. Born and raised in Saudi Arabia since 1988, it has become her home. A sense of responsibility constantly compels her to tackle social issues and raise awareness about causes through art and design.

She believes that graphic design and art have different paths, but between them is a very thin line. She explores that thin line fearlessly, embracing its vagueness and appreciating every dark corner.

Soraya often experiments with digital photography, creating what should be felt rather than what should be seen.

Artist Statement

As a child, I always enjoyed art. The only major that was closest to what I wanted was graphic design. Towards the end of my studies, I became more drawn to art and experimentation. College was challenging and my art was more to me than a form of expression; it became an escape from reality. As I drifted away from graphic design, I experimented with digital photography and traditional media. What I enjoy most about experimentation is that I start off not knowing where I’m going with the piece, but my feelings always lead the way. It’s a wonderful feeling to just let go.

I find it intriguing how reality itself mostly inspires me, yet my work is far from realistic. I see things most people don’t see, and therefore I share my perception of the beautiful world we live in. The most random things, like an ant, can inspire me. What’s beautiful about the small things in life is their simplicity. Yet when you look closer, every single thing on this planet has its role, which, when you think about it, is too vast for our minds to comprehend.

My major has introduced me to social design, which is what I enjoyed the most in my college days and to this day. I often do conceptual pieces that mostly address social and cultural issues.

You can say I’m a hippie that thinks it’s their business to change the world!

My current objective as an artist is to empower emerging artists & art appreciators in Saudi Arabia, a country that has little art and cultural activity.