Today we’d like to introduce you to Abdulrahman Hamdi.
Hi Abdulrahman, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From a young age, I began expressing myself through art. My mother once said, “You were an extraordinary child at two years old… when other children were drawing houses and flowers, you were drawing monsters and a brilliant sun.” But, not until college did I begin to develop the style I work in today. Life took many turns — law school, working as a legal consultant in Saudi Arabia, moving to the United States for an additional graduate degree — but I never strayed far from my canvases and paint. No matter the juncture I found myself, no matter what was happening my world, I found, and continue to find, peace in my art.
I never know the outcome of my work. Quite simply, I allow the paint to take control. Yet, I do control the story only to the point that I select the color palettes, textures and proportions.
Moving to Los Angeles two years ago, though, has been wonderfully transformative. The creative energy of the city, the people … I’m inspired each day, with each new corner of the city I discover. I’m so fortunate to have made a wonderfully diverse mix of friends, as well as a network of contacts to support my art. In recent months I’ve collaborated with LA-based designers, and my art has been used by luxury realtors for home staging; one interior featuring my art was on the cover of real estate magazine Haven. My work has also been featured in Arabian editions of Vogue and Harpers Bazaar, and one especially meaningful piece, “Misk,” is on display at the offices of a foundation under the auspices of the Saudi royal family. And, earlier this year, I designed two limited editions NFT pieces for George Lopez Foundation.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My path has been challenging, with innumerable disappointments along the way. But, I use dispiriting moments to fuel my inspiration. I endured eight years of rejection from galleries. I heard the same refrain, “We’re not looking for a new artist,” or, “Your work isn’t a good fit for our direction.” My upbringing, too, challenged me. I was raised in a conservative environment and my family was strict. Even today, they don’t understand my art, they think of this as a hobby, they have no appreciation for my artistic talents. That weighs heavily on me. And, in 2014, I was in an automobile accident in Saudi Arabia. My recovery was lengthy and as a result of the trauma I still battle PTSD.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Saudi artist expressing my feelings within my work, which is recognized for its large scale. The flow of colors and textures describe my feelings and thoughts within the present and throughout my past. “Based on my works, texture and depth play a big role in spatial identification by creating an illusion that illustrates the depth by using texture. The singular feature about my work is that most of my paintings are made within a story by having certain kinds of color palettes, textures, and proportions. What sets me apart from others is that I always believe there is hope and I will always make it.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
When I was in 6th grade, my art teacher asked me to join a class for more advanced students. Even today, recalling that story, I beam. I loved that he believed in me, in my talents. His encouragement motived me then and even today.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://www.abdulrahmanhamdi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.mr.a/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.singulart.com/en/artist/abdulrahman-hamdi-32565
Image Credits:
Anthony Barcelo, Robert Mcgowan.
