Mashael Alsaie
@filmbymashael
Bahraini photographer Mashael Alsaie uses her artwork to show the complexity of the Arab female experience especially concerning image and representation. Through film photography she focuses on metaphors relating to femininity and is inspired by the strong community of women she is surrounded by.
How does your heritage influence your work? I like to use the memory of my childhood or surroundings and reinterpret them into my work. My work attempts to reconcile themes of identity and femininity and is largely tied to my own experience unpacking what it means to be an Arab woman. Nostalgia and memory also play a huge part in my work. For example, “Airloom”, a collaborative project with a friend and artist Rashed Alfalasi juxtaposes heirlooms given to us from our grandparents wrapped obsessively in clear plastic foil in order to express the disconnect across generations and the objectification of identity. What inspires you? My inspiration is so intangible. Oftentimes my inspiration comes from my personal life and experiences as a Bahraini woman navigating the different spaces I have lived in. I'm also greatly inspired by the natural landscapes that have shaped my identity, for example, water (the ocean) is largely tied to my childhood memories. I’m also focused on metaphors relating to femininity in my work. I’m inspired by a strong community of women whether it be my friends or family and that permeates into my art. What are the underlying messages in your work? The complexity of the Arab female experience; whether it be about image, representation, memory. I want my work to elicit a response. Where did you study? I got my degree in Urban Studies from UC Berkeley and then went on to work in Dubai. Right now I’m based between Bahrain, Dubai and New York. I’ve been blessed with a family that supports creative endeavors. My grandmother used to work in fashion and several of my aunts are artists as well. That was important for me; to have grown up in an environment that not only appreciates the arts but that validates it as a career. How did you develop your style? I use my art as an outlet to my frustrations and interests with what surrounds me. I catch these random bursts of inspiration either from a place I visited, or poetry I connected to. When that happens I throw myself into my art in a frantic frenzy. I also have many people in my life that have advanced the way I approach my work. I love to bounce my ideas around with my sister, for example; she’s my greatest supporter, and her knowledge of art history has really allowed me to elevate my ideas. My work and style is highly intentional and is often populated with hidden metaphors. The nature of film photography as well, and precision and meticulous care that is required allows me to slow down and truly connect with what I’m shooting.