BIO
Asiya Al Sharabi is a Yemeni-American visual artist whose work has gained recognition both nationally and internationally. Currently based in the US, she initiated her career as a journalist and photographer before shifting her focus to artistic photography. Her artistry is rooted in capturing the challenges faced by Middle Eastern women, young adults, and immigrants, a perspective that profoundly influences her creations.
Her unique artistic expression thrives through photography, hand-crafted alternative processes, and innovative techniques like collage and inverse negative prints. These methods not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of her creations but also delve into the profound struggles experienced by people. Through her art, Asiya explores the intricate interplay of politics, culture, and religion, shaping the identities of women, young adults and immigrants. She has been featured in various publications, including Richmond Magazine, PBS NewHour, and RVA Magazine.
Additionally, her artwork was showcased on the cover of Yemen Today magazine in celebration of International Women’s Day.
CV
Born in Sana’a, Yemen
Resides and works in Richmond, Virginia, USA
Education/work:
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, University of Sana’a, 1998
Art Teacher, Sana’a British School, 1997-1998
Journalist & Photographer, Yemen Observer Newspaper, Yemen, 1999 - 2005
Volunteer Photographer, Yemeni Special Olympics, 2006 - 2009
Selected solo exhibitions:
2019 Trumperie & The Immigrant, International Gallery Centre, University of Rich, VA
2018 Trumperie & The Immigrant, Jane Sandelin Gallery, Artworks, Rich, VA
2017 Queen of Sheba, Art Works Gallery, Rich, VA
2017 The Immigrant & Butterfly, Rennolds Art Gallery, Rich, VA
Selected group exhibitions:
2020 The Poetry of Persistence, Gloucester Arts, Rich, VA
2019 UnBound8, Candela Books + Gallery, Rich, VA
2019 WCVE And Me, Crossroad Art Center, Rich, VA
2019 Stories Never Told, University Of Michigan, Dearborn, MI
2019 Stories Never Told, University Of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
2019 Stories Never Told, Arab American National Museum, MI
2018 Executive (Dis) Order, Queens Museum, NY
2018 Realism And Beyond, Rawls Museum Arts, VA
2018 Before We Were Banned, East Of West Gallery, NM
2017 Before We Were Banned, ArtHelix Gallery, NY
2017 Full Of Hope, Areej Gallery, Canada
2017 All Media Show, ArtWorks Gallery, Rich, VA
2016 UnBound5, Candela Books + Gallery, Rich, VA
2016 All Media Show, ArtWorks Gallery, Rich, VA
2016 All Media Show, ArtWorks Gallery, Rich, VA
2016 All Media Show, ArtWorks Gallery, Rich, VA
2016 Butterfly, ArtWorks Gallery, Rich, VA
2010 Words Of Eyes, National Museum, Yemen
2010 Trapped In Heaven, French Cultural Centre, Yemen
2010 Packaging, French Cultural Centre, Yemen
2010. A Treasure Trove, National Museum, Yemen
2009. A Treasure Trove, Total Art Gallery, Dubai
2009 My Father’s House, Local Exhibition, Bahrain
2009. Hands Into Art, National Museum, Yemen
2009. Queen Of Sheba, Yemen Embassy, Peniche Anako, France
2005. Old Sana’a, Korean Art Centre, Yemen
Awards:
2017 Honorable Mention, All Media Show, ArtWorks Gallery, Rich, VA
2016 Second Place, All Media Show, ArtWorks Gallery, Rich, VA
Residencies & Grants:
2016 Anderson Ranch Artist-In-Residence Program, CO
2016 Beirut Art Residence, Lebanon
2009 Cultural Leadership International Program, British Council