Artist Spotlight - Masarratfatima Sulaimani
- DEA
- Apr 25
- 4 min read
"The distinction between artist and designer feels a bit blurred to me. My art style requires the precision and planning of a designer, yet it is deeply intuitive, like an artist’s process."
Masarratfatima Sulaimani is a UAE-based artist renowned for her intricate hand-cut paper art, blending nature and Islamic aesthetics. Her work, including life-sized immersive installations, has been showcased internationally, earning global recognition. She holds a Visual Arts degree from Maharaja Sayajirao University in India, and has been an Artist in Residence at Al Qasimi Foundation in Ras Al Khaimah.
Masarratfatima's work explores crafting paper from plants, integrating sustainability into her practice. Through workshops and lectures, she shares her expertise, inspiring creativity and appreciation for paper as an artistic medium. Her art not only captivates visually, but also evokes deep emotions, exploring the delicate balance between fragility and resilience in nature. Masarratfatima continues to push the boundaries of paper art, creating meaningful connections with viewers worldwide.
Dea: What does creativity mean to you?
Masarratfatima: Creativity, for me, is the expression of emotions felt deeply within. Sometimes, it’s a spontaneous flow of random ideas, while other times, it’s a reflection of something that has profoundly moved me.
Dea: What’s your background and what led you to working with your chosen mediums?
Masarratfatima: I am based in the UAE and graduated from Maharaja Sayajirao University as an Applied Artist. Initially, I worked as a designer, but something felt missing. Designing wasn’t as fulfilling as I had hoped, so I began exploring painting. Yet, creativity has its own path—I still felt I hadn’t found my true artistic calling. Then, as Rumi says, what you seek is seeking you. One day, while making a paper gift for my niece, I experimented with cutting paper—and in that moment, I knew I had found my medium.
Dea: Where do you find your inspiration?
Masarratfatima: I draw inspiration from human stories—narratives of migration, acceptance, courage, and resilience. I believe emotions connect us all, and through my art, I’ve realized that my personal experiences often resonate with a broader community. Beyond human stories, I am also influenced by architecture, tradition, Islamic architecture, Mughal art, philosophy, and the poetry of Rumi, all of which have shaped my artistic style.
Dea: What’s your creative process like?
Masarratfatima: My process is project-specific, beginning with the germination of an idea. Since I create installations and layered artworks, planning is essential, but once the structural aspects are set, I let my intuition take over. When I cut, fold, or score paper, I allow my hands and heart to guide the blade, making every stroke an organic part of the composition. I experiment a lot with different mediums, as well as lights and shadows, to achieve the effects I envision.
"Sustainability is also an important theme — I often create my own paper from plants, making my work more eco-friendly and rooted in nature."
Dea: You have led a variety of workshops and lectures for different audiences. How do these teaching experiences influence your own creative process?
Masarratfatima: Yes, for me, it’s a way to connect with people and introduce them to this beautiful art form. Paper cut art is a traditional craft that is regaining popularity, and workshops allow me to showcase its possibilities. Sometimes, these sessions lead to unexpected creative collaborations.
For instance, during a recent workshop on Rumi, a participant wrote a poem along the artwork that deeply resonated with me, sparking an idea I now want to explore further in my own work. Teaching not only expands my perspective but also brings fresh inspiration in ways I wouldn’t have anticipated.
Dea: Is there a piece or project you are proud of?
Masarratfatima: As an artist, I always look forward to the next project, but one experience stands out. During my first installation at Sikka [Art & Design Festival], a woman hugged me with teary eyes, expressing how deeply she connected with my work. In that moment, I truly understood the power of art—to create an unspoken connection between the artist and the viewer.
I particularly enjoy seeing people immerse themselves in my installations as they walk through them. The expressions of wonder, curiosity, and sometimes even self-reflection on their faces inspire me. It reminds me that art is not just something to be observed—it is something to be experienced.
Dea: Do you ever experience creative blocks? How do you get back to feeling creative again?
Masarratfatima: Yes, creative blocks are quite common. Sometimes, after an intense creative phase, there’s a period of stagnation, which can be frustrating—there’s an urge to create, but the ideas just don’t flow. During these times, I go back to the basics: meditation and sketching to clear my mind. I believe it’s important to acknowledge the block instead of forcing creativity. Taking a break, exploring different forms of artistic expression, and allowing inspiration to return naturally can make all the difference.
Dea: Are you working on any exciting projects right now?
Masarratfatima: Yes! Two things I am most passionate about are paper and earrings, and I am combining them to create my own line of artistic earrings. Each piece is handmade, inspired by my art, and designed to be stylish yet lightweight—a wearable piece of art.
Dea: Any tips for aspiring creatives?
Masarratfatima: Follow your heart, experiment, and discover what truly motivates you. Once you do, everything else will fall into place.
Masarratfatima’s journey exemplifies the beauty of following one’s intuition and embracing the unexpected in the creative process. Whether in the form of intricate installations or wearable art, her ability to create profound connections through her art is what truly sets her apart!
Connect with Masarratfatima here:
Instagram: @artyzendesign
Facebook: @artyzendesign
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Really interesting read—thanks for sharing it!"