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1 Nov 2024
Young collagist Stapeny Sanossian shares how her multicultural childhood influenced her creativity, the messages behind her most discussed works, her main artistic goals, and why, despite living in different countries, she wants to stay in Dubai so much.
— Hey, Stephany! First, please let me know how to correctly refer to what you are doing?
— You could call it collage or mixed media. Some people call it drawing, but I don't actually draw. I wish I could draw, honestly!
— So, when did this journey in collaging begin?
— It started about 10 years ago when I was living in Barcelona, and it really became a way to express who I am. Then in 2020, I realised I wanted to fully dive into the industry, so I tried printing my collages, but it did not feel quite right. I kept wondering, “What is next?” That is when I decided to print my collages on skateboards, and that is where things really took off.
— What about your childhood? Do you think your parents influenced this creative side?
— I think my childhood gave me this mindset of always wanting to try new things. When I first came across collage, I just knew I had to give it a shot. Even with things like NFTs — people laugh at them now, but when they first came out, I thought, "Why not try it?" I have never really been afraid to jump into something new.
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— As I know, you have Syrian and Armenian roots. What influence do you think your roots have had on your art?
— I think it is all about diversity. Growing up with two cultures really opened my eyes to the fact that life is not just one way — you get this whole other layer to it. That is probably where the dialogue in my work began. It is such a rich experience, but honestly, it is hard to put it into words.
— Do you incorporate any Armenian cultural elements into your work?
Yes, it is more in my mind. When I create something inspired by Armenia, it feels distinct, and the same goes for my work about the Middle East. I have not fully merged the two yet, but I believe these influences will come together in time.
— Where are you now in the art world? What is your current artistic goal?
At the moment, I am focused on bringing my ideas into physical spaces rather than just capturing them in pictures. This is definitely more challenging, and I am pushing myself to create installations.
Regarding my goal, I want people to connect my name with the ideas behind my work, rather than just the objects themselves. For example, there was a time when people recognised me as “the one who put Kim Kardashian in Aleppo” — that piece went viral. Now, it seems more like, “Oh, she is the one who does skateboards.” Ultimately, however, I want people to appreciate the art for its message rather than merely for the object or a familiar face like “oh, it is Kim.”
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— What is the main message in your work?
— Honestly, my message is evolving. I used to focus heavily on why the West does not know much about the East. I often wondered why we grew up listening to Britney Spears while teenagers in Texas might not know anything about the Middle East or the East in general. That question used to drive my work. However, I feel that I have expressed what I needed to say in that regard, and now I am more focused on exploring what I want to express for myself. Do I still want to convey that "the East is just as incredible as the West," or has my message become something deeper?
These days, I am all about the idea of the inner child. When one is a child, there is a sense of fearlessness; one tries things without stressing about failure because no one expects perfection. As adults, we need to keep that part of ourselves alive, whether through fitness, enjoying a burger, or engaging in activities that genuinely bring us joy. Ultimately, it all connects back to who we were as children and what we learned along the way. So, my current work is truly focused on that — keeping the inner child alive and, honestly, finding happiness through it.
— Are there any artists in the UAE or the Middle East who inspire you? Maybe not necessarily in the same field, but in the arts overall?
— Honestly, I find inspiration everywhere. Instagram is incredible for that — so many artists are creating amazing work. I often come across something that makes me think, “How did they come up with that?” For me, it feels more like a personal challenge than a competition.
These days, inspiration does not have to come from big names like Andy Warhol. The landscape is shifting; it is no longer all about being huge and shiny. Instead, it is more humble — anyone can be inspiring.
Two artists who come to mind are Nourie, whose authenticity inspires me every day, and Soheil Rad.
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— Can you tell me more about your childhood, your school experience, and how you ended up in Dubai?
— Absolutely! I attended an Armenian school, and it was a fantastic experience. The community was incredibly tight-knit, which had a significant impact on me. After that, I moved to Spain, where I spent some time living and working. Being away from that close community really pushed me to create. It sparked a sense of nostalgia that has become a big part of my work. While I was in Spain, I started experimenting with collages, gaining experience and conducting interviews. However, I eventually found myself wondering, “What am I doing in Spain?” I had completed my education and work there, and I felt ready to move to what I believe is the best city in the world — Dubai.
— Was your education in Spain connected to art?
— Yes, I did my master’s in innovation and design.
— Spain has a rich culture and a vibrant skateboarding community. Do you think that influenced you in any way?
— Yes! I have not really thought about this in depth, but it has definitely influenced me. I have a strong appreciation for street art because I believe the true essence of art is found in the streets, not just in museums — although I do hope my work ends up there one day! Real art comes from the streets; that is where trends are born and conversations happen. I want to be part of that community, creating and building things together, rather than just discussing ideas behind closed doors.
— What is your dream collaboration?
— When it comes to dream collaborations or projects, the first thing that comes to mind is having a solo exhibition. It is something significant that I’ve never done, and I really want to achieve it — maybe next year, or perhaps in the following ten years. But I am determined to make it happen. I prefer to think of it as a goal rather than just a dream because a dream is something you simply envision.
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— Do you focus on feedback from masters, mentors, or just anyone in the field?
— I consider feedback from both experts and random people. When I had my exhibition, everyone interpreted the work differently, and I found their perspectives very insightful. It helped me see things from new angles.
— As I understand, you mostly do collage. However, I have recently noticed a new work where you choose calligraphy. Why?
— That is a great question. The calligraphy I use in one of my works is in Arabic, and it features a long quote that really resonates with me. The essence of the quote is, “When are you going to shine? When is it your turn to shine?” It expresses the idea that you are meant to shine with every new day. It encourages you to ask yourself each morning, “When are you going to rise?” The sunlight is waiting for you because you belong in the sun. This thought motivates me a lot.
Every day, I challenge myself to think about how I can shine. It really touches me. Just yesterday, I was writing a post about how beautiful life is and how the sun is always there, ready to share its light. We all have something to contribute to the world, whether through art, writing, work, or other means. The important question is: how are you making the world a more livable and beautiful place?
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— When did you move to Dubai? Do you like it?
— I moved here in 2011. For me, Dubai is such an amazing city. I love it! Dubai embodies the idea that if you work hard, you will achieve success. It is not like other places where luck plays a significant role. Here, it is like nurturing a plant: if you water it, it grows. You are the plant, and Dubai is the soil.
— I love that equation! It is so realistic.
— Exactly! When COVID hit, I found myself working a lot. Last year, I decided I wanted to be fully immersed in art. I had a design background, and now I am taking on projects selectively instead of hustling all over the place. Last year was all about focusing on my art, and this year, I am working with Leila Heller.
— Do you have any plans to move from here?
I hope I never have to leave! Unless they decide to expand the city or something like that… But honestly, I truly love Dubai, and I always encourage everyone to come here. For me, Dubai represents prosperity and abundance. It is a place where you can achieve your goals if you are willing to put in the effort. So, why would you want to leave a place where you are thriving?
Missing out on the coolest events in Dubai? We know where you’ll be in November: The Crowd Test Festival — the very first Art and Music Festival by The Sandy Times.
The lineup is incredible: Mainline Magic Orchestra from Spain, Eden Burns from New Zealand, and a lot of your favourite DJs like Hani J, Hassan Alwan, Bazzzuk, and more.
Mark your calendar, snag your tickets, and get ready: November 16, 2024, from 5 PM to 3 AM at Monkey Bar, Dubai.
Tickets are available here
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