THE VOICE | Miramar Al Nayyar On Infusing Emotion into Physicality

  • In her latest series of paintings, Moving Through The Ether, Miramar Al Nayyar encapsulates the raw essence of desert formations,...

    In her latest series of paintings, Moving Through The Ether, Miramar Al Nayyar encapsulates the raw essence of desert formations, channelling both natural world phenomena and human bodily movements onto canvas. As a self-taught artist residing between Dubai and Amman, Miramar ventures beyond representation, opting instead to explore abstract organic forms that pulsate with kinetic energy, inviting her viewers into a journey of recognition and revelation.

    Miramar draws influence from the natural rock formations that she encounters in Jordan’s desert-scapes. For her, this terrain symbolises a harmonious balance dictated by an inherent natural code that governs all aspects of existence, including humanity itself. She investigates the intricate relationship between movement and this cosmic order, recognising how the fluidity of motion shapes the myriad forms observed in nature.

    Now, we speak to the artist as she invites us to discover her artistic journey; her current fascinations and self-defined approach to her art. 

  • “It all started with a simple act: gazing at rock formations. These natural marvels, simultaneously organic and abstract, shifted my perception of all organic shapes, whether they were made of sand or flesh. To me, they represent a set of proportions guided by a natural code that shapes everything in nature, including ourselves.”

  • Miramar: 

     

    My name is Miramar, a 27-year-old from Iraq, currently based between Amman and Dubai. A self-taught artist, I began painting in 2016 driven solely by an innate urge to express myself. 

     

    Since I was a child, I've had a vision, one I've kept close never shared, and doubt I ever will—it feels almost impossible, but I can tell you it’s about creating a certain feeling. I’ve been chasing this impossible vision relentlessly, which has left me perpetually unsatisfied with my creations. I'm always pushing and taking unrealistic risks, convinced they'll bring me closer to that impossibility. I’m addicted to the sensation of expansion, despite the exhaustion from constantly working. Yet, within me, there's a core that generates energy, compelling me to keep pushing forward. It feels like a contradiction, but I’m captivated by the way it makes me operate in this world.


    Miramar: 

     

    My art revolves around themes of nature, movement, the body, and finding connections. These subjects resonate with me deeply, keeping me alive with curiosity and a perpetual desire to explore. There's an innate pull towards these elements as if they hold the keys to unlocking endless inspiration and understanding. They fuel my creative journey, infusing my work with vitality and depth. While I may not have all the answers as to why I'm drawn to them, their profound significance in my artistry is undeniable.

    Miramar:

    Nature not only influences my ideas but also shapes my painting techniques and methods. Exploring the intricacies of the human skin was incredibly inspiring for me. Attempting to replicate its natural qualities through my technique. Much like the layered complexity of skin, I employ a process of building up multiple thin, semi-translucent layers, in a deliberate sequence of colours until the envisioned final appearance is achieved. My approach encompasses a blend of classical techniques such as glazing and alla prima, along with intuitive methods that have emerged organically within my practice. However, for me, the true essence lies in mastering the precise sequence of colours and achieving the desired translucency in each layer.


    Miramar: 


    It all started with a simple act: gazing at rock formations. These natural marvels, simultaneously organic and abstract, shifted my perception of all organic shapes, whether they were made of sand or flesh. To me, they represent a set of proportions guided by a natural code that shapes everything in nature, including ourselves. These endless variations of formations occur when this natural code dances through the material. I believe movement serves as the link between this order and the physical world, shaping the diverse forms found in nature. As humans, as part of nature, I became curious about how our movements fit into this code, how our natural movement looks like when frozen and materialized. That's when I started recording my own natural bodily movements, both manually and digitally, creating all sorts of organic formations.


    Miramar: 

     

    Unlike my previous work, which predominantly delved into the formal aspects of bodily movement, my current endeavour takes on a markedly different hue. Previously fixated on form, my attention now gravitates towards infusing a distinct emotion into the physicality, bathed in soft, luminous tones. It's akin to painting from a realm beyond our earthly confines—a realm where weightlessness reigns, detached from the burdensome gravity of our world, a sentiment palpable within the very air of my studio.

    Initially, it proved challenging to remain tethered to my original concept amidst the constant influx of news concerning war. Each break I took seemed to tempt me toward canvases of rage and sorrow, yet I knew deep down that I must resist, striving instead to uncover tranquillity within the confines of my studio and soul. Despite this detachment, maintaining a connection with the reality around me remains important—a heart creating means a heart alive amidst those difficult times.

     

    Paradoxically, it is this very connection that fuels my pursuit of harmony and balance, both within myself and in the broader world. While impulses of anger and frustration may simmer within, my overarching drive remains the creation of their antithesis—a serene, harmonious atmosphere that speaks to the depths of my human experience.