Google Doodle honours Emirati poet Ousha Al Suwaidi
Dubai-based artist Reem Al Mazrouei opens up about her art form and creating the doodle honouring Nabati poet Ousha bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi
The Google Doodle that greets visitors to the world’s most popular search engine’s homepage on Monday had a significance for the UAE — it featured a beautiful, almost magical illustration of an Emirati woman next to a scroll.
The tone of the drawing complements the subject — Ousha bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi, also known as Ousha Al Sha’era (Ousha the Poet) — one of the greatest Nabati poets of the 20th century.
Ousha Al Suwaidi was born in Al Ain on January 1, 1920. She grew up surrounded by poetry, in a family that loved literature. The nation grew to recognise her as a powerful poet, whose work touched upon themes such as love, wisdom, patriotism and nostalgia. Her writing was inspired by the desert landscapes and culture around her.
Google celebrated Emirati poet Ousha bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi, or Ousha the Poet, on Monday, dedicating a doodle in her honour. One of the greatest Nabati poets of the 20th century, Al Suwaidi's doodle was aptly illustrated by another Emirati artist Reem Al Mazrouei.
Her doodle celebrates a Middle Eastern lady with her eyes closed next to a scroll, creating intriguing imagery, almost a magical aura.
Transforming Emirati poet Al Suwaidi into a quirky work of art with concrete symbolic meaning, the Dubai-based artist explains that doodling gives a unique insight into her artistic style. But creating this doodle has been a challenging feat.
"A Google team member contacted me and asked if I would be interested in creating a doodle for them. They are the ones who chose the topic and conveyed it to me. Ousha bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi is an iconic figure in the Middle East who is a well know Nabati poet (Nabati poetry has been a feature of life in the Arabian peninsula since the 16th century)," said Al Mazrouei.
"Although creating it took me around 15 days, but whenever I sent them (Google) the artwork, they would give me feedback and then I would go back and edit it. I prepared the draft around three concepts, and it took around 10 versions.
"We wanted to ensure that the doodle and the elements it represented effectively captured the essence of her poetry. Also, in terms of colours, we didn't want it to be too sad or dark. The idea was to represent tranquillity and peace when one sees it. Representing the Emirati culture and environment was also integral to the project, along with the Google logo."
While Al Mazrouei's art is inspired by Middle Eastern folklore, mythology and the future, she explained that the doodle of the poet being celebrated recognises her contribution to the field in the present day .
“Al Suwaidi's poems were inspired by nature — the Arabian Gulf and desert landscapes — and touch on topics like love, wisdom, patriotism and nostalgia. They (the Google team) found my art style matching her spirit. They said 'your art is like poetry, and we couldn't find someone more suitable to create this artwork for Ousha'.”
While Al Suweidi's poems, written in the Nabati style, describe her personal experiences in the UAE and the country's rich culture and past, Al Mazrouei explained that people travelled from far and wide back in the day, just to get a glimpse of the poet.
“People back then wanted to visit and see her. She is also a very special person to my family. My mum always wanted to visit her and she ultimately did met her,” Al Mazrouei said.
Elucidating on how the relationship between art, poetry and nature is largely formed with the concept that man's true self can be found in the wilderness, Al Mazrouei explained: "Poetry and art almost go hand in hand. I am like a child when I start drawing. I took up art professionally after university. I have a Bachelor's in visual arts from Zayed University and have dedicated my time as a full-time artist. I never stopped drawing."
“When you are sad, happy or in love… you can express a myriad of emotions through both poetry and art. I think both these forms help you understand yourself better,” said the Emirati artist who was raised in Abu Dhabi but now divides her time Dubai and the the UAE capital.
As the nation gears up to celebrate the 51st National Day, Al Mazrouei reveals her upcoming plans for the occasion: “I am gradually being recognised for my work; I've also always aimed to go global. So, for the National Day, I am working on something interesting. A Swiss brand of watches contacted me to do a live drawing for them.”
Talking about the new wave in different art forms, she said “even gadgets can be used to create art".
"People in the past believed that there was no future for people pursuing art… especially the older generation. But now it's our time. The thinking has changed. There are lots of job opportunities, both locally and globally, in such related fields. Express yourself and be original. If you love something… just do it and believe in yourself.”