By Mishaal Ahmed
My name is Mishaal Ahmed. I am a passionate student currently completing my A levels and an avid reader with an insatiable appetite for literature. Recently, I had the opportunity to volunteer at one of the art workshops at Kutubna Cultural Center, facilitated by Jordanian artist Nora Qudah.
These art workshops provide a platform for people of all ages to collaborate, create, and bring their ideas to life. My experience at Nora’s workshop didn’t just open my eyes to new artistic techniques, but rather, transformed the way I view art. I was able to observe firsthand how art unites people and its vitality as a medium of expression.
The artist leading the workshop was a powerhouse of inspiration. When asked about what drives her work, Nora Qudah said, “It’s all actually emotional—my memories, childhood, nature. All these things make me feel alive.” It was fascinating to see how deeply connected Nora was to her own experiences and how she incorporated them into her work.
Additionally, one of the workshop’s recurring themes was the profound significance of joy and colour. Nora shared the insightful perspective, "Blessed are those who see beautiful things in humble places," urging people to recognize the beauty that surrounds us, often in the most unassuming forms. Her conviction that "colour brings joy" served as an inspiring guiding principle throughout the workshop, encouraging us to embrace boldness in colour and form. I felt like this principle allowed each participant to express themselves with newfound confidence and creativity.
I have dabbled in art before but never in an immersive environment like this one. Working on a painting felt incredibly liberating as I noticed myself letting go of the need for perfection and simply enjoying the process of creating. We used watercolours to create abstract work inspired by Emirati artist Abdulraheem Salim’s painting "Conversations With The Moon." Nora briefed us on his techniques and the significance behind his illustrations, which we then attempted to recreate with our own flair. I loved experimenting with different hues of pigment and mixing them together to concoct a unique representation of my take on Salim’s work.
As the workshop came to a close, I realized that art is not about having all the right skills, but about expressing yourself, taking risks, and enjoying every step of the journey.
You can register for upcoming art workshops and other programs at Kutubna Cultural Center here. Follow Kutubna on Instagram at @KutubnaDubai to stay updated on events and other fun things!