Farah Salem

Work Cubes (2016)
Polaroid collages
10 x 10 in.

As a visual artist from Kuwait, I began as a self-taught photographer at age 15. I started exploring how to work with light and shadow to create images. Years later I graduated with a BA of Arts in Visual Communications. I’m currently attending School of the Art Institute of Chicago for a Master in Art Therapy and Counseling.

I have explored many forms of photography, from digital, film to instant. Among the genres that I’ve nurtured is street photography, especially in creating environmental and urban portraits, capturing raw stories of each human. I’ve also worked on conceptual photography, and performance photography projects, making visual statements about various topics. Also I have explored a variety of methods to go beyond the frame, whether by means of installation or printing methods. I’ve dived into different fields of art, from oil painting to mixed media, as well as performance art.

As an artist I’m interested in working with various social topics, from cultural, existential, social, humanitarian to women topics. The underlining motif in my work is to share raw human emotion. I’ve gained much knowledge on photography by working with established photographers, taking courses and attending workshops, including a course at the New York Film Academy. As well as attending artist residencies, from Per|Form at Contemporary Art Platform in Kuwait, to Crossway Foundation UK’s Journey to Turkey. I have won some awards for my artwork, most recently I’m the Laureate winner of the International Women Photographers Award 2017. My book titled In-between the Skyline of Kuwait City has been published by Kuwaits National Council of Culture, Art and Letters. I’m also an exhibiting artist, where I had my first solo exhibition and book launch in Contemporary Art Platform Kuwait. I have also exhibited in JAAM Gallery in Dubai, Parfitt Gallery in London, Ka Fotoğraf Atölyesi in Ankara Turkey, E-Werk in Freiburg, Germany, Centro Cultural CEEE Eirico Verissimo in Porto Alegre Brazil, Woman Made Gallery in Chicago, and most recently exhibiting with emerging and established artists representing the Middle East in the Bolivia Biennale in Centro Cultural De Santa Cruz. As well as the Laureate winner of the International Women Photographers Award 2017.

© Farah Salem