One inspirational Emirati has gone from asking the questions to offering the answers
Accountant by day, painter by night, Emirati artist Budour Al Ali is a woman on a mission to pave the way for future artists in her country.
The inquisitive painter, whose mother is from Abu Dhabi and father from Umm Al Quwain, grew up in the US and UK where she says she learned many key skills that have helped her in life. But it was her grandmother who nurtured her artistic side from an early age.
“When I grew up everybody called me ‘Miss Why’,” says Budour. “It’s not like I’m questioning you, I just need to understand.”
Tasked with handling the inquisitive youngster, Budour’s grandmother noticed the girl was shy and took her anger out by colouring on walls, desks and even her classmate’s uniforms.
“Grandma said those are the drawing books, those are the colours, do whatever you want but don’t do it here and there.”
Sent to summer school in the UK, Budour secretly began attending art college, where she tried her hand at graphic design, scripture and jewellery design before enrolling in an official painting class. It wasn’t long before her curious nature took over and the talented Emirati found herself questioning established artists about their tricks and tips, learning as much as she could to improve her own skills.
Today, Budour is an established artist in her own right, her paintings brightening up hotels in Paris and Italy as well as in her hometown. The recognised artist is now paving the way for upcoming talent.
Although she insists that there is plenty of support offered to Emirati artists in the country, Budour hopes to build a group of like-minded individuals who can also support each other and grow the local industry.
“Each time you participate in an award or competition the judges ask a lot of advancing questions: ‘How did art start in your country?’ Now we’re starting. We don’t have many well-known schools where Emiratis are teaching art. We need to educate ourselves. With the Louvre and Guggenheim coming to Abu Dhabi there will be a massive change. There are a lot of foundations that are supporting the Emiratis. They take them for three or four years and teach them everything from A to Z.”
Municipalities, hotels and private buyers have all approached Budour for paintings of Sheikh’s portraits, abstract designs and local wildlife.
As her take on traditional portraits creates controversy, Budour no longer asks why, but why not. Why can’t she experiment with techniques to craft a mosaic-style portrait or slash her paintings to create an incomplete effect?
“I wanted to find my own style. People say you should not paint portraits in this style. No, I am the artist; I will paint it how I want. I’m experimenting and discovering.”
In the face of criticism, Budour remembers some wise words from a family friend: Be detached. “How can I not be attached when I feel like a part of me is in the painting?”
But perhaps it is this attachment that makes Budour so dedicated and determined.
“As human beings we are all the same: we want love, security, money. I want that too but I also want to be special. That’s why I focus on being an artist. I am doing this because I know it’s the purpose of my life.”
The humble artist is reluctant to admit that she donates a portion of her proceeds to needy children, but hopes to be a role model by doing so.
“Whatever you get you receive. I noticed the more I give, the more projects come my way. I’m focusing mostly on medicine and education. When you’re healthy and you’re educated you’ll find your way.”
Budour’s next projects include completing 100 paintings for a local municipality, participating in the annual hunting and equestrian exhibition and her first showcase in Italy. “This is keeping me very excited. I am so happy. In my past 10 years, no matter what connections I had, I did everything alone. I’d rather have my friends know through my attitude that I deserve it. After a few years you will see where I will be.”
To get in touch with Budour or to visit her home gallery, email: [email protected]
Rachael Peacock
