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ArtHeritageReal Estate

by Sophie She

Meet Tamara Khodr: Painting Deep Roots And Open Skies At Mira Coral Bay

22 May 2025

Source: theartse.com

During the art-filled opening of Mira Coral Bay in Ras Al Khaimah, visitors were treated to a special live performance where three women artists created large-scale paintings inspired by local culture. Among them was Lebanese artist Tamara Khodr, whose deeply personal and symbolic piece centered on the Ghaf tree — a native emblem of resilience in the UAE.

Nature, memory, and meaning

“I chose to paint the Ghaf tree because it deeply resonates with my own background and love for nature,” Tamara shared during the event. “Coming from the mountains of Lebanon, I have always cherished the act of planting trees and have felt a profound spiritual connection to the natural world.
The Ghaf tree, with its resilience and deep roots, beautifully reflects the strength and endurance of Emirati culture. In my painting, I wanted to express this connection by portraying the tree’s roots firmly embedded in the earth, symbolising tradition and heritage, while the pixelated sky above represents the country’s openness to change and progress”
Her painting reflected this connection in both form and concept. The Ghaf tree’s roots are shown firmly planted in the earth, symbolising heritage and endurance. Above, a stylised pixelated sky represents progress and the constant change embraced by the UAE. “Through this work, I hope to honour both the timelessness of nature and the dynamic spirit of Ras Al Khaimah,” she said.
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Instagram: @artistryof_tee

A storyteller on canvas

Born and raised in Mount Lebanon, now based in Dubai, Tamara has carved a path as a self-taught artist whose work is driven by memory, emotion, and transformation.
Khodr’s practice draws heavily from the stories of her youth — often told and retold in Lebanese households — blending these with broader themes of identity, nostalgia, and change. Her pieces often explore life’s emotional rollercoasters, from personal rebirths to collective social shifts. Many of her works feature everyday Lebanese scenes: women chatting across balconies, hanging laundry, or sitting quietly in nature. Yet the faces of her subjects are often fragmented or abstracted, suggesting layers of thought and feeling behind what we see.

Bold colour, brave questions

Known for her expressive use of colour, Tamara describes her palette as “bold enough to raise courageous questions about the self.” Her influences include Picasso, and her work often mirrors elements of Cubism — multiple angles, layered perspectives, and strong, vibrant contrasts.

A home away from home

While she now calls Dubai home, Tamara often refers to her art as an exploration of “inner emotions in a home away from home.” Her experience growing up in Lebanon — a place marked by beauty, resilience, and political complexity — continues to inform how she views the world and herself. This nuanced lens is what gives her work both its depth and relatability.
At Mira Coral Bay, her live painting offered a moment of quiet reflection amid the buzz of the event. Rooted in nature, shaped by memory, and facing the future — much like the Ghaf tree she painted.
To explore or purchase Tamara’s work, visit her website.