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

Maria Saad is an artist and multidisciplinary designer currently based in Dubai. Born in Beirut in 1980. She holds a master’s degree in Interior Architecture and Product Design. Having a creative sprint, she not only creates a range of innovative and aesthetically pleasing interiors but also coveted products, appealing visual content and visually stimulating artworks. She strongly believes in the power of Art to connect with the depth of your authentic self. Maria’s work is a burst of emotions on canvas. She predominantly works with acrylic medium. She took part of World Art Dubai 2020 and has been commissioned to paint canvases for private clients. “I believe that Art is the language of emotions. I also believe there is no right or wrong, it’s never how things are. It’s how you perceive them, how you sense them, how it makes you feel… Life is a journey, my work is a journey. A journey of exploration with different techniques, different materials, different media and most certainly a journey of self-exploration”.

Luca Curci – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
Maria Saad – I hold a master’s degree in Interior Architecture and Product Design. The painting had always been something reserved for my free time until I realized the importance of painting in my life and the positive healing effect it had on me. My work represents a personal journey, a journey of exploration with different techniques and styles and most certainly a journey of self-exploration.

LC – What are your thoughts while you paint? Do you have any habits or rituals while you work?
MS – When I start a new canvas, I almost never know what’s the final look. My work is very instinctive I can start with an idea and end up with something totally different.

LC – How do you choose your subjects? Is it a reasoned or an instinctive process?
MS – My work is definitely instinctive and based on emotions, it’s not how things are, it’s how I sense them, how it makes me feel. I either choose a subject deep to my heart or my work is just an instinctive emotional spill on canvas.

LC – How do you feel when you see your work completed?
MS – I feel a huge sense of peacefulness, it’s like the calm after the storm.

LC – How is being an artist nowadays?
MS – Being an artist today we do have a lot of privilege with the exposure we have thanks to social media. We can connect anywhere and reach all parts of the world.

LC – In which way the artwork presented in our exhibition is connected with the festival’s theme? Can you explain something about the artworks you have in our exhibition?
MS – In my painting “Dance it away”, the dancer forgets her identity, her country, origin, social pressure or who she must be, she puts aside labels and finger-pointing to let go and ‘dance it away. Dance, painting and all Art speak the universal language of magic and acceptance.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
MS – Yes definitely. I am very grateful for the exposure and honoured and pleased to be part of this.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
MS – Of course, it is a great opportunity and ITSLIQUID Group gives a wide exposure very well spread and advertised.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
MS – I am very happy and grateful about it.