Biography

The path of Saudi Arabian artist Reem Nazir has taken her from the historic Red Sea port of Jeddah to London’s Leighton House Museum, the center of academic British nineteenth-century art.

Born in Jeddah, Reem was schooled abroad and although largely self- taught in art has benefited from tutelage under Freddie Dean, a past President of the Chelsea Art Club of London. This formed an influential period of learning for Reem.

Colour and form are the dominant features of her work, be it her recent large impressionist paintings of women in traditional eastern societies, the landscapes of her homeland with its harsh light, or in the still-lifes of assorted objects which she has collected on her travels. Islamic silver, oriental carpets with their rich textured patterns or other items typically found in many Saudi homes are juxtaposed with more solid tactile earthenware pots from Province in France. It is this boldness in style, colour, and composition which has resulted in Reem’s work becoming widely sought after.

Reem's solo exhibitions have been held in Jeddah, London, Buenos Aires and Pasadena. She has also participated in numerous joint exhibits in Jeddah, London and lastly, at The International Art & Craft Expo 2005 in Dubai. She was interviewed on MBC satellite channel during her solo exhibit at Leighton House Museum in London in 2000. Her work has also featured in various Middle Eastern publications including Arab News, Sayidati, and Al Sharq Al Awsat.

Her works which have found their way into private collections worldwide can also be seen on this website.