Yousra Wahba (Born in Saudi Arabia in 1977) is an Egyptian artist based in Dubai, UAE; she explores the interplay between nature, memory, and identity through her artwork. Yousra explores transformation and evolution, delving into profound questions about reality and the human journey. Her art revolves around the concept of the fluidity of life and the constant state of change, freezing memories, and identity that resonate with the alchemy of the natural world. She expresses her experiences with loss, change, and the resilience of female identity.
With a background in Pharmaceutical Science, Yousra deftly bridges science and art. Drawing inspiration from exploring nature as a deep space of rich scientific culture through research and study of the morphology of humans, plants, and animals, she pushes the boundaries of her chosen materials to create sculptures and installations that capture the vibrancy of the natural world. Her artwork embodies a constant sense of transformation, mirroring the ever-evolving nature of the natural world and the human experience.
Yousra's art is a captivating play of contrasts, such as light and dark, transparency and opacity, mirroring the complexity of life. Her work delves into the interconnectedness of nature and human existence, revealing the patterns in biology and emotions. It invites viewers to reflect on the beauty of life's fleeting moments, leaving them captivated by the intricate beauty of her creations.
Her artworks are primarily crafted from transparent resin, a medium chosen for its profound symbolism. This explicit, luminous, and untamed material skillfully mirrors the intricate dance of life, symbolic of preserving memories or moments that are affected by the passage of time, creating a fragile yet enduring representation.
The process of working with resin, manipulating temperature and pressure, transitioning from a liquid to a solid state, and creating sculptures that embody delicacy and strength serves as a metaphor for an artistic expression of personal transformation and the resilience shared by nature and women. Yousra's art inspires viewers with its portrayal of strength and resilience in the face of transformation.
An extensive array of national and international exhibitions has marked Yousra Wahba's artistic journey. Her notable exhibitions include PLAY, Ruup & Form Gallery, London, UK (Upcoming), Something Else IV, Cairo Citadel, Cairo, Egypt (Upcoming), Translucent Threads of Life, a solo exhibition at Firetti Contemporary (2024), the Dubai Calligraphy Biennale (2023), Prague Art Fair (2023), Beautiful Mind & Floating Soul at Easel & Camera Gallery in Cairo, Egypt (2023), Firetti Contemporary in Dubai, UAE (2023), Made in Tashkeel at Tashkeel in Dubai, UAE (2022-2023), It's All Start With ME at Firetti Contemporary Gallery, Dubai, UAE (2022), NARRATIVES II at Etihad Modern Art Gallery in Abu Dhabi, UAE (2022-2023), Dialogue at AlOuis Cultural Foundation, Dubai, UAE (2022), The Other Art Fair Virtual Exhibition represented by Saatchi Art (2022), and the International Contemporary Art Fair in Paris, France (2021).
Through her fusion of science and art, Yousra Wahba inspires self-reflection and a deeper understanding of the world. Her artwork asks us to consider the fragility of human life, a testament to strength, resilience, and human experience and its connection to human emotions and identity.