Check Out Hiba Jaroudi’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hiba Jaroudi

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
EARLY LIFE
Born and raised in Beirut, Jaroudi’s early childhood was plagued with anxiety and fear due to the unstable political scene in her beloved country Lebanon.“ The obsession and fear of losing home and family due to war sit side by side in me “. As the Lebanese civil war persisted so did Jaroudi’s fear of losing her home and loved ones. During that time, Hiba began to show artistic skills at a very young age through her drawings and simple collages, which reflected her family, home, and peace. This was an early indication of Jaroudi’s artistic direction and her use of art as a symbol of resistance, representation, and hope despite her generation’s childhood trauma. Although she was terrified but her art remained vibrant, colorful, and optimistic. A tone she has carried with her.
In 2000, Hiba graduated from Lebanese American University in Beirut with Bachelor of Science & Art, Graphic Design BA degree and an AA degree in Fine Art. After graduation, she threw herself into the creative & design world in her city Beirut with a mission to discover all its different facets. She prioritized her curiosity and sense of discovery.
“I was always curious to discover more about the effect of art and images on individuals, whether as a product consumer or art collector. The multiplicity of art’s impact on our behavior and lifestyle amazed me; one might perceive the image of a product you pick while another would allow to evoke deep emotions and feelings in you .”
EARLY CAREER
Her professional journey began in a Marketing execution job where she learned and appreciated the relationship between concept/execution, creativity/production, and imagination/reality. At this phase, she worked on multiple projects for international brands like L’OREAL, PANNA, BACARDI, PEPSI, NESTLE, GARNIER, and JOHNNY WALKER, among others. At that stage, she was ready to step out as an artist and start her creative boutique in Beirut. However, the state of things in Lebanon had other plans, and again she was discouraged from doing so in her home country.
Determined to satisfy her sense of discovery and ambition, Jaroudi moved in 2006 to the exciting land of opportunities, the United Arab Emirates. It was intimidating at first to be in a cosmopolitan city like Dubai, attempting to carve a place for herself in its market. As is her nature, she prioritized her curiosity and took a break from her Art to learn more about this new culture and understand its unique identity. She jumped into the retail sector and started a job in Marketing with Magrabi optical, where she “witnessed firsthand the growth of businesses and the big transformation in the UAE market .. “.
In 2008, Jaroudi participated in a great new real estate project with Solidere International, Al Zorah new destination, Ajman. As the person in charge of Visual Communication for this project, she was tasked with the goal of portraying the new city inside Ajman as a peaceful community and a safe environment for happy families. Her job was to reflect its ideals and values of community and safety through all aspects of graphic design that go into branding a new landing location. This again strengthened the values underlying the theme and concept of her art. Jaroudi was inspired throughout her work on this project to focus on the importance of creating a safe and sustainable community environment because, in her heart, this brand identity she was creating was juxtaposed against the instability Lebanon was experiencing at the time.

TRANSFORMATION
Due to the world economic crisis, Jaroudi moved to the USA in 2010 to work in the most advanced company in the world, Apple. A new perspective in business, creativity, culture, and approaches pushing individuals to extreme achievement and success. This trip formed a turning point in her professional career, “working for Apple in the States was a stepping stone in my professional vision. I found myself wanting to be more honest and in touch with the gift I have; my creativity.”

At this period, she got completely disconnected from the Middle East and Arab world. The visual theme of her work was born from her own struggle of being away from her home country and her longing for community. It was evident that the west was missing what makes Arabs who they are: their tight-knit communities. Due to Jaroudi’s strong attachment to her origin and the rich culture of the Arab world, she decided to move back to the middle east and gulf with a new artistic vision and a clear direction.
In 2014, she was back in Dubai for two main projects: working at Impact BBDO, the Dubai Property account, and preparing for her first exhibition in the UAE. Her projects spread from the ones about the past from her exhibition theme to the upcoming projects of Dubai’s future communities. Her exhibition was focusing on the past while her projects were creating a new Dubai, the Dubai of tomorrow.

PHILOSOPHY: “ ”
A sense of community brings us together. Being part of a community helps us feel connected to something larger than ourselves. It fosters relationships, supports us in achieving our goals, and provides a sense of safety and security. Every country, city, and culture thrives in proportion to its sense of community.
Cultural heritage is of special value and is worthy of preservation. Today, technology and civilization, for all the good they add to the world, are causing culture and history to fade away. Jaroudi focuses today on restructuring the past and the collective memories of the Arab countries through her art. She uses photos, history, people, products, places, and leaders to create collages that tell charming stories from a beautiful past. By creating colorful cultural manifestations, she aims to spread the wealth of knowledge and history from one generation to the next. She believes that “Art saves culture and passes on tradition.”

ARTISTIC PORTFOLIO
From culture to culture and from one country to another, Jaroudi successfully evokes the collective memory of a generation through her art and artistic projects by integrating culture and history in her work. Jaroudi believes that once all the creative components are in harmony, art can change people’s behavior. It reminds us of “how we are connected to one another“.
“Art can change the world and make it a better place for all.”
DUBAI Exhibition, 2015
“I Love Lebanon“
A special tribute to all the key public figures of Lebanon’s “golden age” who played a major role in its culture. In an exhibition on the occasion of the Lebanese independence day, the artist addressed her work to the Lebanese diaspora in UAE, hoping to revive their memories of a beloved home country.
The work was projected on stage during the exhibition to great success.
SAUDI ARABIA MBC Group, Set Design, 2018
“Cultural Branding In Drama And Theater”
As her work on Lebanese cultural branding gained traction, MBC group reached out to her to create a cultural mood for the set design of a Ramadan program called “Layali Al Mamlaka”. As art director of the show, she created a special set design based on the heritage and history of Saudi culture. Jaroudi explains, “I had to dig inside the Saudi culture, absorb all its aspects and translate it into a set to project it in the show. A new experience and challenge to move to another culture and portray it in an interior theme.”
BEIRUT Exhibition, 2020
“Beirut Comics”
Her work consisted of cartoon comics on the backdrop of pictures of old Lebanon. Working on the collective memory of the artist’s generation, she used the top cartoon characters of a specific era with Lebanese vintage photos to reconnect with her childhood community again.
The exhibition was a big success and her art was sold out.
USA Restaurant Murals, 2022
“Culture, Nostalgia, And Business”
Capitalizing on the diaspora’s responsiveness to cultural art and nostalgic artistic pieces, businesses in the USA understood the power of Jaroudi’s art. To name a couple of examples, Jaroudi showcased her art in murals in a Lebanese “falafel” restaurant in Chicago as well as NANA, a fast food restaurant in Florida. Both murals aimed to instill cultural authenticity and the mood of a homecooked meal in a Lebanese kitchen.

EXPO 2020 Dubai – LEBANESE PAVILION
“Teleportation Through Art”
Expo 2020 was a melting pot for all cultures together, celebrating communities and a better future. Through its programs, performances, workshops, installations, designs, and pavilions, Expo 2020 showcased the region’s unique creativity, encouraged cultural exchange, and nurtured innovation not just in the UAE but with benefits flowing out to all corners of the world, at a scale and concentration unlike any other in that period.
Jaroudi completely transformed the visitors’ experience by branding the Lebanese pavilion using artistic compositions that portrayed the Lebanese culture in all its nuances in architecture, patterns, production, tools, colors, areas, and artists. Jaroudi’s creative process began with the concept of staying grounded and rooted in heritage, history, and community even as the future is bright with progress, innovation, and development.

FEATURED & PUBLICATIONS AMAZING LAYOUT DESIGN BOOK
Featuring artists from all over the world, Jaroudi’s work is featured in a double-page spread that admires how she showcases her beloved country’s culture and heritage in the best of light. Using her experience and skill, Jaroudi takes the viewer down memory lane through the use of layers, vibrant colors, and pop art.
WOMEN POWER LB
Women Power LB is an online platform that features and supports Lebanese women in Parliament and in decision-making positions in both political and public life. As part of an awareness initiative to encourage women in the political scene, Jaroudi created custom collages that illustrate the patriotic and political spirit of Lebanon. As Jaroudi explains “Art changes perspectives” and through art, she makes a statement for change.
MEDIA AND TV
Featured on numerous reputable platforms, including Al Arabiya Tv, Dubai Tv, MTV Lebanon, Abu Dhabi Tv, Al Hurra and on multiple magazines and newspaper as L’orient Le Jour, Business Executive, discussing her various high-profile projects and the significance of her artistic call for the preservation of culture and heritage.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Entering the market was challenging for several reasons. Some people don’t view art prints as “real” art, especially because they’re digital, while others prefer to stick to more traditional styles. The market itself is evolving rapidly, with advancements in AI and the rise of NFTs driving unpredictable shifts in the art world. To adapt, I’ve had to explore multiple directions, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult with each passing day.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Hiba Jaroudi is a Lebanese/American conceptual artist and collagist who is most known today for her digital collage style of black & white photographs, overlaid with wide range of pop art layers. A true believer in the power of art, she hopes to revive culture and elicit nostalgia through her vibrant and colorful compositions. Jaroudi is on a mission to address the cultural constructions of the Arab world, reflect on its unique history and demonstrate the power of its communities.

Jaroudi’s field of work include art print, large scale print, space & set design, graphic design, branding, and digital installation.

“I was always curious to discover more about the effect of art and images on individuals, whether as a product consumer or art collector. The multiplicity of art’s impact on our behavior and lifestyle amazed me; one might perceive the image of a product you pick while another would allow to evoke deep emotions and feelings in you .”

Art pieces play a significant role in enhancing the overall ambiance, aesthetics, and personal expression within a space. home, office, hotel, spa, resort…

Here are some key reasons why art is important in a interior setting:

Aesthetics and Visual Appeal
Emotional Connection and Inspiration
Personal Expression and Identity
Conversation Starters and Storytelling
Cultural Enrichment
Creating a Focal Point and Visual Hierarchy
Enhancing Well-being and Relaxation

In summary, art pieces hold great importance within interior. Incorporating art into rooms & spaces adds depth, character, and a sense of personal connection, making the space a more inviting and meaningful environment.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Books:
“Pop Art” by Klaus Honnef
“The Warhol Economy” by Elizabeth Currid-Halkett

Podcast :
Popcast (The New York Times)
Pop Pantheon

Apps:
Instagram
Mojo

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hibajaroudi.com
• Instagram: @hibajaroudistudio