Biography
Najat Alshejni is a self taught Yemeni artist, based in the UAE, who uses her expressive artwork to convey her profound longing for the home country she left at a tender age. Born into a diplomatic family, Najat's early childhood was marked by a nomadic lifestyle, constantly moving from one place to another. Despite growing up in different corners of the world, and becoming a naturalized Egyptian, her heart remained connected to Yemen and her childhood memories, fueling her artistic exploration of identity, nostalgia, and the concept of home.
Drawing inspiration from her rich Yemeni heritage, Najat's art reflects a deep emotional connection to the land, culture, and people of Yemen. Through vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and symbolic imagery, she creates evocative and poignant compositions that resonate with viewers on a visceral level. Her artwork serves as a visual diary, capturing the essence of her memories, dreams, and yearnings for a place she holds dear.
Artist Statement
I have always been fascinated with arts in all its forms and firmly believe that art is a language that transcends all barriers and borders. Growing up in different countries and being exposed to various arts, cultures and traditions shaped and enriched me as a person.
I admired and appreciated my father’s position as a diplomat representing Yemen around the world and I wanted to follow his footsteps by becoming a cultural ambassador for my country through my art.
As Yemen has always been a source of my inspiration, I use my artworks to capture the rich culture of my homeland and my nostalgia for it and reflect that beauty and translate those emotions through my colorful canvas and brush strokes.
I exhibited in Tashkeel Exhibition 2023 with my 3-piece Yemen Nostalgia series which was inspired by my childhood memories of Yemen. From there I noticed many didn't know how coffee looks as a plant, so I worked on a 3-piece Treasure on the Tree series to showcase the beauty of the coffee plant which is a source of pride in Yemen's history and culture. My aim is to transform my canvas depicting Yemen themed series into windows introducing Yemen's unique culture and heritage to the rest of the world.
I paint things that have a profound meaning to me and about causes I care about.