Nadine Kanso

"Resist"
Lambda print
30 x 50 cm, 2009

Courtesy of Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde

Harper's Bazaar Dubai: Best Dressed 2010

 "Bil Arabi", Nadine's 18-carat gold collection

One fine Saturday morning, on one of my trips to Dubai (whilst living in London), I made an appointment to go to NBar in Palm Strip, as my fellow female Dubaïns are probably aware, part of NBar's charm is, that it is a place where you might end up sitting next to an old friend, or bumping into someone you haven't seen in ages. 
As I was in the lounge, enjoying my mani/pedi this incredibly striking woman walked in and sat on the chair next to mine. Have you ever seen someone and immediately thought "ah, this is a person with alot of character"? I took one look at this polite yet intense person and the word CREATIVE was the first thing that came to my mind.
Several months later, back in London, I was doing research on contemporary Middle Eastern artists based in Dubai, for a paper I had to write for my MA, and low and behold- I came across an article about the work of a Lebanese artist called Nadine Kanso. I sat back in my chair and quietly cheered "I knew it!!"
All of a sudden this body of research became so much more meaningful, and I sprang into efficiency immediately, with the objective to not only complete the paper I was writing- but to learn as much as I could about Nadine's work, her evident love for Middle Eastern culture, and ultimately the way in which she has transformed this love into art and jewelry.
Nadine has become one of my favorite contemporary Middle Eastern artists, I find that her work is not only aesthetic, but it is honest and in a world where the truth isn't always beautiful, Nadine makes it inspiring and enjoyable to admire.

You can learn more about Nadines work on her website http://www.nadinekanso.com/, prepare your eyes for a feast!

sources: http://www.ivde.net/artists/Nadine_Kanso_works.html

http://www.english.globalarabnetwork.com/200910113110/Culture/nadine-kanso-arab-hip-and-proud-of-it.html

http://www.redvelvetnation.com/2010/03/harpers-bazaar-arabias-best-dressed.html

http://www.whosnextindubai.com/en/2010/09/23/bil-arabi-by-nadine-kanso-lebanon/