Interview: Layla Jaleel
Luca Curci talks with Layla Jaleel during CONTEMPORARY VENICE 2021 at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

“In our deeper nature, we feel the forest and the expression of love is recognizably held in a tree as a perfect expression of peace, connection, manifestation, expansion, stillness, and power. That is our being”.
Layla is based in Germany and, upon finishing her education in Computer science, she began working as an artist in Dubai in 2017. She has worked on a variety of creative projects. Her works have been showcased in collectives’ exhibitions in the UAE. Dubai opened for her many opportunities to start spreading the spirit of art in the most luxurious places in Dubai. She was nominated for Global Arts Awards in November 2018. In fairy tales naming something gives you power over it; a spell is some words you say that make things happen. These are just concentrated versions of how words make the world and take us into its heart and how metaphor opens up a new possibility: this is what inspires her.

Luca Curci – How did you get to your current artistic practice?
Layla Jaleel – Small steps to the goal are better than nothing and, as an artist, the useless canvases are your teacher, and believe me I have lots of. I am now more focused on digital and designs, so trying is the best way to discover my inner self.

LC – What is art for you?
LJ – It’s the soul.

LC – Did your style change over the years? In which way?
LJ – Yes, I believe that style change through the years with the thoughts, the different stages of life and feelings. About me, I start from the abstract to see myself in the middle of the forest.

LC – Do you use art to express something in particular? Is it your medium of expression?
LJ – Yes, I express a lot with my art because, as I said before, and I really believe it now: “My Art is me”.

LC – How do you feel when you see your work completed?
LJ – I feel SATISFIED in all the meanings this word can have.

LC – Can you explain something about the artwork you have in our exhibition?
LJ – The name of my artwork is “SHE” and I drew it when I felt lost in a particular stage of my life. I wanted to stand and to remain consistent, to be present with strong roots, sharp edges and facing fears. The media I used are charcoal with acrylic paint and golden leaves on paper.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the festival?
LJ – I got an email from your side that “Everything has changed, not our passion. Art will never stop”. So well said!

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us?
LJ – Yes!

LC – What do you think about our services?
LJ – You know what artists need and that’s enough for us.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
LJ – Everything is possible!