In Conversation with Artist Nissa Raad

Each house holds a story – each neighbourhood tells narratives of its inhabitants over the years, and each city documents its history through people and creative art – Nissa Raad features elements of the city’s urban design, architecture, and art in her work. In a recent interview with artmejo, the artist said:

I have always had an appreciation for architecture and urban environments. In cities such as Amman there are so many charming little architectural details that one might fail to notice- especially in the older neighbourhoods. However my interest in painting cities and neighbourhood goes beyond the physical- it is the sense of community and belonging which inspires me as well. Each house is a family,” 

Nissa Raad, Scenes from Al Hara

Nissa Raad (Fakhrelnissa Raad), a Jordanian artist of mixed background, was born in Amman in 1981. Raad received her Bachelor’s degree in history from Brown University and then pursued her Master’s Degree in Urban Development and Design from University College London.

Growing up surrounded by her grandmother’s art, the celebrated artist Fahrelnissa Zeid, Nissa Raad developed an interest and a passion of art and colors as a child – she was determined to become a self-taught artist, which triggered her desire to pursue a career in that field and encouraged her to visualize the beauty she sees in a lively city that has both the ancient and the modern, in sync.

Fahrelnissa Zeid, Break of the Atom and Vegetal Life, Oil on Canvas, 210x540cm, 1962

In her artwork, Nissa usually highlights the most important elements of a city – as viewed by her – such as its history, older neighbourhoods and public communal spaces.

She mostly combines mixed media in her work, she said, adding that she has some preferred elements such as bold lines, color, and texture. “I don’t have specific techniques; I just paint until I feel no visual anxiety coming from the canvas.” 

Nissa Raad scenes from Al Hara

One of the pieces that narrates a significant story, she said, is a painting titled Three Little Birds;

This painting is a very personal one for me as it is dedicated to my three kids, who are represented by the birds. The Zen stones symbolize balance and inner peace- something which I think every mother struggles to maintain. Calming colors and rich textures denote tranquil fulfillment.

Nissa Raad, Three Little Birds, Acrylic on Canvas

Nissa Raad, Three Little Birds, Acrylic on Canvas

When asked about the Ammani art scene, Raad responded with:

I feel the art scene in Amman has grown a lot and young artists are being offered many new opportunities; however, sometimes I feel there is a fear of taking risks and veering away from ‘comfortable’ themes and this can get repetitive at times. Artists should always be encouraged to be bold, to be original and to take risks.