For the Love of Art

Third year Emirati student and winner of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award explains what fuels her passion in painting.

Third year Emirati student and winner of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award explains what fuels her passion in painting.

Making art is a cyclical exercise for Roudhah Hamad Al Mazrouei. Her paintings connect to each other, so much so that when she’s finishing off a piece, she’s already thinking of her next work. 

Al Mazrouei paints with a purpose,  trying to figure out her own signature style she can call her own. “I’ll keep painting until I find it,” she says.  In this pursuit she likes to keep her mind and hands busy, explaining that “it’s like the saying when a shark stops swimming, it dies.”

Artwork of NYU Abu Dhabi Class of 2024 Roudhah Hamad Al Mazrouei.

Constantly working on her painting style, Al Mazrouei has seen improvements in her techniques, color mixing, and overall knowledge on color theory. 

One of her favorite Emirati female artists includes visiting assistant professor at NYUAD Shaikha Rashid Al Mazrou. “I love the way she conveys her ideas in these very simplistic abstract sculptures… you would never imagine what tension looks like until you look at her artwork,” Al Mazrouei said. 

Al Mazrouei who recently won the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award For Distinguished Academic Performance loves the idea of creating beautiful things. She has always been fascinated by how a single brush stroke can gradually create a beautiful painting. “I (also) feel like I can express myself more when I can create something,” Al Mazrouei said.

The award serves as a motivator for NYUAD Class of 2024’s Al Mazrouei to continue pushing boundaries and striving for excellence. “I am excited to continue exploring new opportunities and projects, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for my professional and personal growth."