About Aya Abu Hawash

Palestinian Lebanese artist Aya Hawash earned her Master’s degree in Fine Arts from the Lebanese University in 2016.

Aya is currently working towards intimacy, censored history and political memory in the Middle East. Her recent body of work addresses intimate themes of self-exploration and reinterpreting politics and social surroundings within a censored Arab context.

Aya’s paintings often show subjects who are in some way emotional or overthinking, aware of their own society standards, especially in relation to others. Riffing on politics, history & media trends, Aya Abu Hawash creates paintings, drawings, & mixed media rooted in societal critique and self-deprecating humor.

“Purple & blue color, represent the female power, mystery & independence perceived by me through society. The moments I create in intimate spaces are dialogues between perceived society standards, and stereotypes, which function to both challenge Arab women. The Black color & pattern, a primary inspiration in my work, is used with other feminine objects or symbols with associations to Arab & Lebanese women, representing thoughts, misconceptions, perceptions and emotions."

 "These spaces allow me to create conversations and interrogate notions of beauty representing thoughts, misconceptions, perceptions and emotions. These spaces allow me to create conversations and interrogate notions of beauty.”