The Arab art scene is experiencing a renaissance, with a new wave of talented artists redefining contemporary aesthetics and storytelling. These creatives are blending tradition with modernity, tackling themes of identity, migration, gender, and social change through their unique artistic expressions. As we step into 2025, here are eight rising Arab artists whose works are gaining momentum and deserve your attention.
Layan Mahmoud
Hailing from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Layan has always been drawn to strange and eerie artworks, believing that art doesn’t always have to be "pretty" or "beautiful"—it can also evoke discomfort and provoke thought. Some of her biggest inspirations include Tim Cantor, Mathias Herup, and Christopher Grant.
Her journey into art began at the age of 12 when a teacher introduced her to drawing faces. Frustrated by her inability to achieve realism, she practiced relentlessly. Over time, she realized that artistic expression wasn’t just about accuracy but about individuality. By embracing experimentation, she developed a unique style, giving her characters a distinctive and captivating presence.
Mariam El Reweny
Mariam ElReweny, known as Rew, is a Cairo-based artist making waves with her striking modern portraits. Her work spans digital illustration, art direction, and even Google Doodles, all rooted in her background in oil painting. Deeply inspired by classical masters like Botticelli and Rembrandt, Rew blends traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics. Her signature style, which she calls "unrealistic reality," often features characters adorned in elaborate garments, influenced by the craftsmanship of renowned fashion designers. Through her art, Rew creates a dreamlike world where classical beauty meets modern expression.
Tarek Al Butayhi
Tarek Butayhi, a Damascus-born artist, is renowned for his evocative portraits of women, often depicted in intimate, everyday moments. His work challenges conventional portrayals of women as mere objects of desire, instead offering a more nuanced and humanized perspective. Having moved to Beirut at the onset of the war, Butayhi later returned to Damascus, where his artistic focus expanded. His recent works reflect the struggles of those around him, capturing the resilience and fragility of life in a war-torn city. Through his art, Butayhi continues to explore themes of identity, survival, and transformation amid adversity.
Noor AlSuwaidi
Noor Al Suwaidi is a rising Emirati artist known for her intricate calligraphy and mixed media works that blend tradition with contemporary expression. Drawing inspiration from her background in Islamic art and architecture, as well as her personal experiences growing up in the UAE, Al Suwaidi creates visually compelling pieces that bridge cultural divides. Her work not only celebrates the elegance of Islamic art but also introduces it to a wider, global audience. With a distinctive style that merges heritage with modernity, she has established herself as one of the most exciting and influential artists to emerge from the United Arab Emirates in recent years.
Ghada Amer
Ghada Amer is an Egyptian-born, New York-based artist known for her thought-provoking work exploring themes of feminism and gender. She is best recognized for her signature embroidered paintings and sculptures, which frequently depict female figures. Through her art, Amer challenges traditional representations of women, blending textile techniques with fine art to create visually and conceptually powerful pieces that address issues of identity, sexuality, and empowerment.
Mohamed Abla
Mohamed Abla is an Egyptian painter and printmaker celebrated for his vibrant and whimsical depictions of everyday life in Egypt. His work seamlessly blends traditional motifs and patterns with contemporary pop culture references, creating a unique artistic language that captures the essence of Egyptian society. Through his use of bold colors and dynamic compositions, Abla portrays themes of nostalgia, identity, and cultural heritage while maintaining a playful and accessible style. His work resonates with audiences both locally and internationally, offering a rich visual narrative of Egypt’s past and present.
Anaëlle Myriam Chaaib
Anaelle Myriam Chaaib is a Franco-Moroccan artist whose work reflects a deep connection to her surroundings, personal memories, and themes of migration and cultural blending. Though self-taught, her artistic journey began at an early age, complemented by formal art studies before she ventured into business and culinary arts. Now based in Tangier, her illustrations capture the essence of Moroccan daily life, evoking nostalgia and personal history. With commissions from prominent clients like collector Gordon Watson and publications such as Les Echos and WeTransfer, Anaelle’s work continues to gain recognition for its intimate, thoughtful depictions of identity and place.
Sara Tantawy
Sara Tantawy, an emerging artist from Cairo, creates figurative art that delves into themes of grief, longing, and the search for stability. Her paintings often depict a stark separation between subjects and their backgrounds, emphasizing a sense of disconnection—whether self-imposed or forced. Through her work, Tantawy explores the power of ideas and their ability to dominate our lives, leaving behind fragile souls weighed down by anxiety and uncertainty. Her expressive style evokes feelings of aimlessness and inner turmoil, making her art a poignant reflection on the human condition.
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