Aysha Al Hemrani is an artist with a cause. She sells purses, pouches and bags, beautifully illustrated with drawings inspired by Emirati heritage, and put together by a special-needs group.
“I don’t like to call it charity,” says the 24-year-old Emirati from Ajman. “It is a proper business venture, where they are my partners and they make amazing high quality bags.”
She has made a name for herself for her caricature drawings, posted on social media under the handle Mnawrah. She has more than 8,500 followers on Instagram.
A self-taught artist, the communications-and-media graduate wanted to do something different this year, so reached out to the Ajman Rehabilitation Center for Disabled.
“The centre has a project called Re Use, which produces bags using recycled banners and street ads,” she says.
Al Hemrani brought printed material of her drawings; the group did the rest. As well as purses, her pieces are sold as canvases, and anyone who buys from her can pose behind a cartoon face with large eyes and perky lips that has become her trademark.
As Mnawrah, she has been posting her work online since 2006.
“I love to draw and reinvent myself and my art,” she says.
Al Hemrani’s popular images are cartoonish reinventions of famous Arab figures and artists, such as Cyrine Abdelnour, and Elissa, who posted Al Hemrani’s caricature of her on Instagram.
One of her most popular latest creations is that of Sheikh Zayed, who she redrew as a black-and-white image, giving him a slight amusing smile, comparable to the Mona Lisa's smile.
“I like to draw famous figures I like, in a very unique way, where you get to see them differently and at the same time the art work maintains their dignity and charm,” she says.
What’s your favourite book?
For One More Day by Mitch Albom, the only book that brought me to tears.
Who’s your role model?
Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, because she is the perfect Emirati figure for women in the region.
What’s your favourite band?
Maroon 5.
What’s your favourite car?
The [Volkswagen] Beetle, because it’s petite, just like me.
What’s your favourite cartoon?
All Disney films.
What’s your favourite motto or expression?
Geniuses are made, not born.
Favourite pastime?
Watching stand-up comedy shows.
What’s your favourite movie?
Crazy in Alabama. I loved their accents, clothes, [and the] funny twist at the end.
What’s your favourite perfume?
Dior Hypnotic Poison.
What’s your advice to young Emiratis?
No one would be able to reflect your culture better than you; people around the world would love to see the Emirati perspective, and it is our job to present it on the platform we are good in.
Which one item would you save if your house was on fire?
My Barbie dolls, because they make me happy whenever I see them.
Who are your favourite actors?
Audrey Hepburn, because she had a timeless beauty, even when she got older, and Tom Hanks – he’s one of the few actors that brings me to tears.
rghazal@thenational.ae
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