Dalya Moumina: The Emerging Artist Blending Arab and Asian Influences in Utopian Landscapes
DUBAI: Dalya Moumina, a rising artist based in New York, is making waves in the art world with her imaginative landscape paintings that pay tribute to her Arab and Asian heritage. Born in Washington DC in 1996 to a Saudi-Palestinian father and a Filipina mother, Moumina’s unique background has shaped her artistic vision in profound ways.
Growing up in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Moumina developed a deep connection to the Red Sea and the desert landscapes surrounding her. “Jeddah is always going to be home to me. Whenever I go back, it feels like I never left,” she tells Arab News. “The Red Sea is, in my opinion, the most beautiful sea out there. It’s so blue.”
Her summers spent in the Philippines also left a lasting impression on her, with the stunning islands and tribal communities inspiring her artistic expression. Moumina’s childhood memories of these contrasting landscapes have found their way into her bold utopian paintings, which she began creating in 2019.
Despite not coming from an artistic family, Moumina always had a passion for painting and drawing. She sold her first artwork at a school exhibition and later pursued a degree in business, technology, and psychology at the University of Virginia. It was during her time in Virginia that she discovered the work of American master Georgia O’Keeffe, who became a major influence on her style.
In 2019, Moumina graduated from university, but the COVID-19 pandemic led her back to painting during lockdowns. Using oil paint for its rich colors and therapeutic qualities, she found solace in creating landscapes that feel otherworldly and fantasy-like. Inspired by cubism and surrealism, Moumina’s paintings exude energy and emotion, inviting viewers to explore new possibilities and connections.
While living in New York, Moumina has found success in the competitive art scene, with her work being represented by GR Gallery. Her recent participation in a group show titled “Transfiguration” has garnered attention for her nature-inspired pieces. As a Saudi woman in a male-dominated field, Moumina believes that her unique perspective has been an advantage in her career.
Looking ahead, Moumina plans to continue pushing boundaries in her art and connecting with other artists to expand her network. With a focus on creating work that evokes emotion and contemplation, she hopes to inspire others to see the interconnectedness of the world through her paintings.
As Dalya Moumina’s star continues to rise in the art world, her fusion of Arab and Asian influences in utopian landscapes serves as a testament to the power of cultural heritage and personal experience in shaping artistic expression.