Interview: Hala Georges
Luca Curci talks with Hala Georges during MIXING IDENTITIES, second appointment of CANVAS INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR 2024, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

Dr. Hala Morris Georges, an Assistant Professor of Visual Communication at The University of Sharjah, infuses her Syrian and British heritage into her distinctive contemporary art. She holds a PhD in Creative Arts from the University of Brighton and a Master’s in Graphic Design from the University for the Creative Arts in the UK. A member of The One of Creativity Club in New York and a Fellow of The British Higher Education Academy, her work challenges artistic conventions by merging traditional Arabic calligraphy with styles like cubism, pop art, and abstract design, blending digital and classical fine art. Dr. Georges’ work has appeared globally, including in the USA, UK, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Austria, Germany, the UAE, and South Korea, where she presented her solo exhibition, Seoul Speaks Arabic. Upcoming exhibitions in 2025 will feature her work in New York, Toronto, and Tokyo.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Hala Georges  – Art, for me, is a fluid journey led by the message it seeks to convey, unrestricted by specific techniques or mediums. For example, during the war in Syria, I used silent animation to express the longing and fragmented conversations with my family – an unfamiliar medium for me that perfectly captured those emotions at that time. This exploration led me into new artistic realms, where I believe the essence of art truly lies. After years of working in minimalist tones, the vibrant colors now in my work reflect my move to the UAE, signalling an exciting new chapter in my creative path.

LC – What are you currently working on?
HG  – I am currently inspired by everyday slang expressions from Syria and the Arab world. Through bold colors and sharp black outlines, I reinterpret Arabic calligraphy in a modern visual style, bringing a vibrant and positive energy to each piece. This shift from my previous black-and-white phase, shaped by the challenging years of war, symbolizes a journey toward hope and resilience.

LC – Which techniques resonate most with you?
HG  – Arabic calligraphy has always been significant for me, offering a basis for storytelling and abstraction. I enjoy experimenting with its integration into graphic design, although I prefer traditional mediums like acrylic on canvas over digital tools. This approach allows me to root my work in classical practice while presenting a fresh visual experience.

LC – What do you think about art on social media?
HG  – Social media serves as my personal gallery, dissolving barriers and enabling connections with audiences worldwide. With a single post, I can reach viewers across continents, including those who may not have access to traditional galleries. Platforms like Instagram provide direct engagement with my audience, fueling my creativity and allowing me to connect with students who continually inspire me. Sharing my work online expands my reach beyond conventional spaces, fostering new avenues for growth and connection.

LC – What issues do you intend to explore in the future?
HG  – Themes of resilience and identity, especially through Arabic culture, remain central to my work. I’m drawn to the intersection of heritage and modern life, aiming to capture the experience of belonging to two worlds yet deeply rooted in each.

LC – How did the exhibition’s theme inspire you?
HG  – The theme of Mixing Identities resonates with my own journey of blending Syrian heritage with a modern global outlook. This exhibition symbolizes cultural dialogue through art, transforming personal narratives into universal connections. Presenting graphic design on canvas – a traditionally digital medium – adds a unique dimension to this theme.

LC – Was your recent work created specifically for this exhibition?
HG  – The acrylic paintings here are part of a larger series exploring Arabic two-word slang expressions, celebrating language and cultural identity through a vibrant, contemporary lens.

LC – Do you see ITSLIQUID GROUP as a valuable opportunity for artists?
HG  – ITSLIQUID GROUP offers an essential platform for artists to share perspectives globally, fostering cultural expression and connecting artists who view art as a universal language.

LC – How was your experience collaborating with ITSLIQUID GROUP?
HG  – Collaborating with ITSLIQUID GROUP has been inspiring. Their dedication to cultural diversity and artistic expression provides a rewarding space, and I’m honored to be part of a platform that encourages dialogue and growth within the global art community.