KHAMSA 5×5 II

KHAMSA 5×5 is back with the second edition to spotlight those who make a difference. 5×5 is a special series exclusive to KHAMSA, where we ask five talented people the same five questions. By posing the same questions to each, we uncover the unique perspectives and experiences that define them. Through their contrasting and complementary answers, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of what drives them, their creative sparks, and the challenges they’ve overcome.

This edition of 5×5 pays tribute to visual artists from the region, who through their art are elevating their craft and spreading important messages. They communicate ideas, emotions, and stories through visual mediums. Visual artists are storytellers, innovators, and observers of the human condition. Through their work, they explore themes ranging from the deeply personal to the universally profound, often challenging societal norms and offering new perspectives on the world.

Our process of selection for 5×5 is meticulous. We sought artists from the region who actively want to create an impact, push boundaries, and leave a lasting legacy in their field. These people, through their talent and dedication, showcase the immense potential and diverse voices that the region brings to the proverbial global table.

Prepare to be surprised, inspired and challenged as we explore the idiosyncrasies of these remarkable people. Get ready to meet Islam Mansori, Aya Abu Ghazaleh, Sara Benabdallah, Yasmina Keyrouz, and Melika as we delve into their captivating 5×5.

١. Islam Mansori

Islam Mansori (@islammansori on Instagram) is a passionate creative dedicated to exploring the intersections of culture, technology, and human connection. He is the founder of COCOON, a dynamic marketing agency aiming to be one of the leading agencies in Kuwait and the GCC region. His work spans various forms of media, including writing, photography, and digital content creation, with a special focus on fashion and events. Through COCOON, he strives to revolutionize the fashion industry and curate unforgettable events that captivate and inspire. His mission is to inspire curiosity, set trends, and foster a deeper understanding of our vibrant world.

١. Favourite

1. Character from fiction? Sherlock Holmes – his intellectual prowess and keen observational skills are truly inspiring.
2. Flavour? Chocolate. It’s comforting and versatile, perfect for any mood.
3. Stress reliever? Reading – it transports me to different worlds and helps me unwind.
4. Recent invention? Smartphones – they’ve revolutionized communication and access to information.

٢. Least Favourite

1. Word? Can’t – it represents limitations and a lack of possibility.
2. Food? Brussels sprouts. I’ve never quite liked their taste.
3. Feeling? Anxiety. It’s overwhelming and can be quite debilitating.
4. Sound? Nails on a chalkboard. It’s grating and uncomfortable.

٣. How do you define love?

٤. Who is the person you most admire and why?

“I most admire my mother. Her strength, compassion, and unwavering support have shaped me into the person I am today. She embodies resilience and kindness, always putting others before herself.”

٥. What is your motto? 

“‘Life is a journey, not a destination.’ It’s essential to continually grow and explore new horizons, fostering both personal and professional development.”

– Islam Mansori

٢. Aya Abu Ghazaleh

Aya Abu Ghazaleh (@ayaabughazaleh on Instagram) is a visual artist and art therapist. Her work interest explores the intersection of nature and memory, family archives, sustainability, and the use of digital tools. She believes that art making is a powerful tool for resistance and healing. Over the past years, Aya has been awarded several production grants, participated in residencies, exhibited her works in various countries, and has been involved in numerous programs and workshops as an art teacher and art therapist. Aya is also one of the co-founders of the “MetaFour Artist collective”.

١. Favourite

1. Character from fiction? Let’s say Hermione from Harry Potter.
2. Flavour? Sweet-sour.
3. Stress reliever? Tatreez (Embroidery), clay, painting, I guess many forms of art.
4. Recent invention? AI Tools.

٢. Least Favourite

1. Word? Sure.
2. Food? Junk food.
3. Feeling? Tired.
4. Sound? Metro and car jam.

٣. How do you define love?

٤. Who is the person you most admire and why?

“The person I most admire is someone who is passionate about their work—not because they love the job itself, but because they perform it with “ihsan” (excellence). Their passion and care, coupled with love and dedication, especially shine when they work with people. Even when facing the greatest struggles, they see through people’s hardships and make their day extra special with a smile on their face.”

٥. What is your motto?

“My life’s motto is to embrace dissatisfaction and curiosity. I am always looking for the next step, work, and painting in this journey of life. Feeding on curiosity is what keeps me functioning as an artist.”

– Aya Abu Ghazaleh

٣. Sara Benabdallah

Sara Benabdallah (@itssaraab on Instagram)(Moroccan, b. 1995) emerges not merely as a photographer and filmmaker but as a modern-day bard, weaving tales that echo the vibrant tapestry of Morocco’s heritage and culture. Nestled in the labyrinthine streets of Marrakech’s historic Medina, her roots run deep, nourishing her artistic soul with the essence of her homeland’s profound legacy. Driven by an insatiable urge to unveil the splendour of the Maghreb, Sara Benabdallah embarks on a quest to resurrect the fading echoes of ancient craftsmanship. Collaborating closely with local artisans, she breathes new life into age-old traditions, seamlessly melding tradition with innovation through the lens of contemporary photography.

١. Favourite

1. Character from fiction? Aicha from Moroccan TV show “Lalla Fatima”.
2. Flavour? SPICY!
3. Stress reliever? Baking.
4. Recent invention? Not so recent but shazam.

٢. Least Favourite

1. Word? Hchouma (slang for causing shame, or scandal).
2. Food? Tripe.
3. Feeling? Not feeling included.
4. Sound? Fork on plate.

٣. How do you define love?

“I believe that when you love someone, it is not so much about who they are, that draws you in. But it is how they inspire you and how you behave when they are present. Ultimately, love inspires and motivates individuals to become their best selves.”

٤. Who is the person you most admire and why?

٥. What is your motto?

سمع رأي لي يبكيك ومتسمعش رأي لي يضحكك راه كيضحك عليك

Meaning: Listen to the opinion of someone who makes you cry (is honest), but do not listen to the opinion of someone who makes you laugh.

– Sara Benabdallah

٤. Yasmina Keyrouz

Yasmina Keyrouz (@aphroditeismysister on Instagram) is a visual artist and illustrator. She graduated from the Lebanese American University (LAU) with a degree in Fashion Design. During the pandemic, she began digitizing her hand-drawn sketches to share it with her near and dear ones, but the quality of the work saw her posts gain traction. Soon, her art began being featured on accessories and other items, establishing her as one of the region’s rising stars in the field of art.

١. Favourite

1. Character from fiction? Samantha Jones from Sex and the City or Chandler Bing from Friends.
2. Flavour? Sour. I love sour candy, pickles, Doodoo shots….yum.
3. Stress reliever? Listening to music or drawing.
4. Recent invention? TikTok. Such a Gen-Z answer, I know. But I genuinely can’t believe it’s free. 

٢. Least Favourite

1. Word? ‘World’ or ‘Literature’. This is so random but the pronunciation annoys me lol.
2. Food? Mjadra or boiled eggs.
3. Feeling? Anxiety.
4. Sound? Slurping. If anyone next to me starts slurping their hot drink or soup, it will trigger every fibre in my being. I can’t stand it.

٣. How do you define love?

٤. Who is the person you most admire and why?

“Cher. Her style, her attitude. Just everything about her is iconic. If she had a podcast I’d make it the soundtrack of my life. “

٥. What is your motto?

“Let it be. Because it really is as simple as that. (even when my overthinking takes over).”

– Yasmina Keyrouz

٥. Melika

Melika (@melzarts on Instagram) is an Iranian Dubai-raised multidisciplinary artist. Having graduated from NYU Abu Dhabi in 2022 with full scholarship for her studies in Fine Art and Film, her body of work includes drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, digital art, animation, video, and installation. Within her work, she is often intrigued by themes of perception, connection, longing, belonging, and the idea of the ‘self’. Visually, much of her work is characterized by a focus on colour, intricate details, and flows.

Better known under the artist name of ‘Melzarts’, she has published her work, as well as tutorials and educational art videos and content online for ten years and gathered an audience of roughly 300K. Melika has exhibited in multiple group exhibitions, her stop-motion animation titled ‘The Lockdown’ was the opening film at the annual Tisch Animation Film Festival in New York City in 2022, and her work has been in publications such as Gulf News, Magzoid, Al Bayan, Broadway on Demand, NYU, and The National. Melika has contributed to the regional arts scene through organizations such as Alserkal Initiatives, Sean Kelly gallery at Abu Dhabi Art, and National Pavilion UAE at the Venice Art Biennale, alongside others.

١. Favourite

1. Character from fiction? Sherlock Holmes.
2. Flavour? Sweet and sour.
3. Stress reliever? Dance, painting, naps.
4. Recent invention? Procreate & Canva.

٢. Least Favourite

1. Word? Lies.
2. Food? Tofu.
3. Feeling? Lack of belonging.
4. Sound? Fire alarms.

٣. How do you define love?

٤. Who is the person you most admire and why?

“My mother. For how deeply she loves. For her dedication. For her pure heart. For her generosity. For her strength. For her kindness. For all she has done.”

٥. What is your motto?

1- Kindness is a strength. 

2- Rejection is redirection. 

3- Collaboration over competition. 

These five people are symbols of how visual design in the right hands can be much more. These artists harness the power of creativity to create an impact, one they will be held to forever.

Stay tuned, for the 5×5 feature will continue, spotlighting a new group of five talented people with each edition.