Rawaa Talass was born in Tokyo to Syrian parents. Though she grew up in a non-artistic household, culture was never far, weaving through the melodies of Western and classical Arabic music that filled her childhood home. Her parents, both doctors, may not have been artists themselves, but their love of reading and open-minded appreciation of the arts planted the early seeds for Rawaa’s creative curiosity.
Before pursuing medicine, however, her father had worked as a journalist in the 1970s, interviewing political and cultural personalities from the Arab world—a passion for storytelling that Rawaa now believes she may have inherited.
Raised between Tokyo and Dubai, these moments of cultural exposure quietly shaped her worldview, even if she did not fully realize it until later in life. Looking back, Rawaa believes those little moments left lasting marks on her passion for art.
A Museum Visit That Changed Everything
Over a decade ago, a solo trip to the Prado Museum in Madrid marked a turning point. Among its masterworks, Rawaa felt a shift. Art, she realized, was not just about visuals, it was a portal into emotions, stories, and dreams. That museum became more than a destination, it became a beacon, guiding her toward a new horizon.
That spark set her on a journey toward art history, resulting in two Masters degrees, one from the University of Kent in Paris and the other from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, and eventually toward her calling as an arts and culture journalist based in Dubai.
From Trainee to Trailblazer in Art Journalism
In 2015, Rawaa embarked on an MA in History and Philosophy of Art in Paris. The city’s museums, such as Musée d’Orsay, served as her classroom, enriching her academic studies with immersive field trips. During that time, she launched a digital platform dedicated to exploring art history, with a focus on women in art.
A defining milestone came when she interviewed Empress Farah Pahlavi of Iran about her art patronage in the 1960s and 1970s. It was an extraordinary opportunity secured before Rawaa had even become a professional journalist. The experience taught her that passion and persistence can open doors that once seemed out of reach.
Breaking into the Media: First Articles and Hard Lessons
By 2017, Rawaa was working as a communications trainee at Art Dubai. There she crossed paths with Arab News. After her traineeship, she pitched a story, her first front-page article, on the opening of the Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai. She was not sure she would get a response, but the story ran in 2018, marking her official debut in professional journalism.
Since then, she has contributed to both regional and international publications, including Artsy, The Art Newspaper, AD Middle East, Vogue Arabia, and more. Her articles often profile artists, exhibitions, and cultural movements, with a special emphasis on Arab creators.
The road has not been without challenges. Rawaa’s greatest early hurdle was rejection. Stories she felt deeply connected to were not always accepted immediately. Over time, she learned that patience is essential, what does not fit in one moment may find its place in the future.
Telling the Stories of Arab Creators
Rawaa’s work goes beyond covering exhibitions, it tells the personal and cultural stories behind the art. She has profiled legendary and contemporary figures such as Umm Kulthum, Ibrahim Maalouf, Le Trio Joubran, Mahmoud Darwish, Samia Halaby, Sliman Mansour, and Najat Makki.
Her writing captures the nuances of artistic journeys, from the challenges of displacement to the triumph of international recognition. She believes that each artist’s story adds a valuable thread to the cultural fabric of the Arab world.
Recent Projects: Marwan Kassab Bachi in the Spotlight
Right now, Rawaa is working on an article about the pioneering Syrian artist Marwan Kassab Bachi. Kassab Bachi, who built his career in Berlin, is being honored with a major retrospective in London. For Rawaa, this is more than an assignment, it is a chance to celebrate a fellow Syrian whose work transcended borders while staying rooted in identity.
The story will explore the art and life of Marwan Kassab-Bachi, delving into the themes of memory, exile and nature.
Dreaming Bigger: From Articles to a Book
As her career grows, Rawaa dreams of compiling her articles and interviews into a book. It would be a lasting record of her encounters with artists, curators, and cultural innovators from across the Arab world.
She wants to create something that future generations can turn to, a collection that not only documents art but offers insight into the spirit and resilience of the region.
Connecting, Learning, and Standing for Hope
Through her work, Rawaa has connected with artists from Morocco to Palestine, Saudi Arabia to Syria. Each meeting has been a learning experience, revealing different perspectives on art, politics, and life.
Many of the artists she has met have lived through war and displacement. Their stories, sometimes heartbreaking and often inspiring, have shaped her own understanding of the role art plays in preserving identity and hope.
Art as a Beacon Amidst Strife
Rawaa believes that art is more than aesthetic, it is a powerful form of communication. In a region where political strife can overshadow daily life, art provides a sense of continuity. It allows people to express themselves, preserve their heritage, and imagine a future beyond the present difficulties.
Her stories aim to reflect this truth, reminding readers that culture can survive and thrive even in adversity.
A Voice of Heritage and Heart
Rawaa takes pride in her Arab heritage and ensures it shines through her writing. Whether she is covering an emerging painter in Saudi Arabia or a world renowned musician from Egypt, she approaches each story with empathy, curiosity, and respect.
Her goal is simple yet profound, to write stories that are informative, thoughtful, and hopeful, offering readers a richer understanding of Arab art and culture.
Final Thought: The Art of Patience and Passion
Rawaa Talass’s journey shows that passion and persistence can turn unexpected paths into fulfilling careers. From a childhood surrounded by books and music, to an inspiring museum visit, to years of study and writing, she has built a life dedicated to art and storytelling.
She knows the big opportunity might not come immediately, but she trusts it will come. Until then, she continues to write, to connect, and to inspire, proving that when you follow your passion with patience, you can leave a mark that lasts.
Do follow her on Instagram
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