OHLALA spoke to Dr Nesrine El Abed, Assistant Professor Fine Arts at the University of Bahrain on her career and how art makes us more human.
OHLALA – How did art enter your life? When did you know you wanted to work in this field?
Dr Nesrine El Abed – My artistic journey reflects an innate connection to creation. From an early age, art felt like a natural language to me. The encouragement of my parents, who gave me blank sheets to draw on, and the inspiration I found in my brother’s talent highlight the crucial role of a supportive family environment in awakening my artistic sensibility. My exploration of various art forms, such as dance and theatre, reflects a multidimensional creative spirit. I never confined myself to a single discipline but sought to channel my inner energy through diverse mediums. Each artistic activity I pursued enriched my overall perspective on art and life. The idea that ‘art makes me feel alive’ reveals a profound philosophy: art is far more than a hobby or a career, it is a way of being, a lens through which I understand the world and myself.
OHLALA – You acquired a PhD at the Paris 1: Panthéon-Sorbonne University. Can you tell us about your career and this experience?
Dr Nesrine – I have an academic and professional background in Fine Arts, with substantial experience in both teaching and research. I have a solid foundation in a wide range of topics within the arts, including history, aesthetics, Islamic art, contemporary art and art criticism. My experience at renowned institutions like the Paris 1: Panthéon-Sorbonne University, where I earned my PhD with the highest distinction, speaks to my strong academic foundation and my ability to engage in sophisticated research. My experience in Paris, particularly at La Sorbonne Paris 1, was incredibly enriching. I had the opportunity to fully embrace student life while balancing work, which provided me with a unique and formative experience. Holding a PhD in Fine Arts: Fundamental and Applied Research places me in a unique position, offering me the chance to create art while conducting in-depth research on creative concepts and processes.
“Art is a universal language that transcends words. It allows humanity to communicate, dream and live fully.”
– Dr Nesrine El Abed
OHLALA – What is art for you?
Dr Nesrine – Art is a universal language that transcends words. It allows humanity to communicate, dream and live fully. It serves as a mirror of the human soul, a way to create parallel worlds, sometimes ephemeral but always meaningful. Art is far more than a mere act of creation: it is therapy, an escape, an exploration of oneself and the world. It gives everyone the opportunity to transcend their limits and find a space of freedom to express, dream and move forward. Life without art is unimaginable; art is life itself. In this sense, art is inseparable from life. It is everywhere: in dance, theatre, cinema, painting, sculpture, music and even in the daily gestures of decorating or organising our surroundings. It brings colour, beauty and meaning to our existence, fulfilling a fundamental need to express, understand and be understood.
OHLALA – How important is it to understand Art History and Theory to create a path for the future of art?
Dr Nesrine – Understanding ancient civilisations, such as those of Mesopotamia, Persia or Ancient Egypt, allows us to see how art reflects humanity’s concerns, beliefs and developments over time. This understanding provides a solid foundation for contemplating contemporary creation. Art is, indeed, a progression, a perpetual evolution, much like medicine or science. Each era and each artistic movement emerges from a specific context, philosophical reflection, need or response to social or cultural events. Just as medicine relies on the accumulation of knowledge to innovate, art draws upon a theoretical and practical tradition to push its boundaries. Whether analysing an artwork, creating one or imagining new forms, this historical and theoretical understanding is indispensable. This critical approach, combined with artistic poetics, equips you with the tools to envision a rich artistic future aligned with contemporary challenges, whether in conceptual art, installations or other emerging forms.
OHLALA – What do you think art represents in people’s lives?
Dr Nesrine – The essence of art is a universal and timeless force that transcends linguistic, cultural and geographical barriers. Since the dawn of humanity, art has been a means of communication, a way to explore emotions, tell stories and connect with others. Today, with the advent of digital technologies, art continues to evolve, offering new ways to journey inwardly and outwardly, to interact and to express oneself. Digital art, for instance, is not merely an extension of traditional art but a reconfiguration of the boundaries of creativity, space and time. One crucial aspect is art as a reflection of identity and culture. It is an ongoing exploration where every work and every creative gesture carries traces of our past, present and aspirations. This quest for identity lies at the heart of many artistic endeavours, whether personal or collective. Finally, art as therapy and a source of joy is a universal truth. It allows us to liberate ourselves, transform negative energies into beauty and reconnect with ourselves and others. In a world that is increasingly interconnected yet often alienating, art remains a cornerstone of our well-being and mutual understanding. I would say my vision is that of an artist – one who sees beyond material creation, delving into the human and social depths of art.
OHLALA – You have a prominent academic career, but do you like to create your own art?
Dr Nesrine – I have a balanced approach to theory and practice. My role as an Assistant Professor in Fine Arts reflects my commitment to supporting and enriching the artistic world while continuing to explore my own creativity. Teaching young artists is equally rewarding. Guiding students to discover their artistic voice, helping them develop their ideas and witnessing their growth is like nurturing a garden of creativity. While I actively create my own art, I see these two activities as deeply interconnected. My personal artistic practice inspires my teaching, and mentoring enriches my perspective as an artist. Together, they shape both my artistic and academic journey.
OHLALA – On a different note, what do you like most about Bahrain?
Dr Nesrine – My connection to Bahrain runs deep, fuelled by an enduring admiration for its unique blend of human and cultural richness. This ‘little country of love’ holds an irresistible charm, where diversity is not merely a characteristic but a profound strength – a vibrant tapestry that brings together people from all walks of life. Living here has offered me an extraordinary opportunity to witness how this diversity fosters creativity, collaboration and understanding. The Kingdom’s openness to different cultures and perspectives creates an environment where everyone can contribute to a shared sense of belonging while retaining their individuality. It is a place that inspires connection, a sense of community and mutual respect. For me, Bahrain is more than a country; it is a sanctuary of peace and a beacon of inspiration. It embodies the essence of unity in diversity, a haven where cultures meet, exchange and grow, fostering both personal and collective enrichment.