A Childhood Passion Turned into a Lifelong Journey
From a young age, Noor Bahjat knew she was meant to be an artist. She vividly remembers a moment in school when she was sketching a tiger on her desk instead of focusing on math. Her teacher, noticing her talent, jokingly suggested she pursue art instead. Little did he know, those words would shape her future. With unwavering support from her family, especially her father and eldest brother, Noor embraced her artistic gift and never looked back.
Overcoming Challenges as a Young Artist
Like any aspiring artist, Noor faced many hurdles. After graduating from the Faculty of Fine Arts, she secured a nine-month art residency at Ayyam Gallery—an opportunity that introduced her to the professional art world. However, being surrounded by established artists was intimidating. She had to prove her talent in an industry where experience often outweighs raw ability. Instead of letting fear hold her back, Noor worked tirelessly to make her mark. Her dedication paid off, leading to incredible growth and recognition.
A Breakthrough Moment: Her First Solo Exhibition
Noor’s breakthrough came when she held her first solo exhibition at Ayyam Gallery. It was a defining moment—showcasing over 25 large-scale artworks, she nearly sold out the entire collection. This success cemented her place in the art world and proved that she was not just a fresh graduate but a force to be reckoned with.
The Influence of a Mentor
Every great artist draws inspiration from someone, and for Noor, that person is Syrian artist Safwan Dahoul. She admires his elegance, humility, and artistic brilliance. His guidance and encouragement have played a crucial role in shaping her journey. More than just a mentor, Dahoul’s approach to art and life continues to influence Noor’s creative vision.
Learning from Failures: The Art of Destruction
The path of an artist is never smooth, and Noor has experienced her fair share of failures. She believes that in order to grow, an artist must be willing to destroy their own work. Many of her most beautiful, spontaneous paintings have been ruined in the pursuit of perfection—a lesson she initially struggled with but now embraces.
Early in her career, success meant selling art, gaining recognition, and holding exhibitions. But as she matured, her definition evolved. Today, she sees success as the ability to create freely, take risks, and grow artistically, even through mistakes. This shift in perspective has given her the confidence to experiment without fear.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Noor Bahjat’s dream goes beyond creating stunning artwork—she wants to leave a legacy of courage, innovation, and authenticity. She hopes to inspire young artists to push boundaries, stay true to their vision, and never shy away from taking risks. Just as she was supported by mentors, she aims to guide the next generation of artists, encouraging them to believe in their talent.
Her journey is a testament to perseverance, passion, and resilience. From a little girl sketching on her school desk to a celebrated artist making waves in the art world, Noor Bahjat’s story is an inspiration to all who dare to dream. Do follow her on Instagram.
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