From brink to sync: Maryam Sharaf Alhashmi conjures harmony from chaos
- Last updated: June 13, 2026 | 08:51
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Emirati visual artist Maryam Sharaf Alhashmi is presenting her second solo exhibition, Mind Chaos, in collaboration with Lavish Cafe & Art Gallery, Wasl 51 (on till 15). The exhibition offers visitors an immersive journey into the complexities of the human mind, transforming abstract and inner noise into visual experiences that invite reflection and interpretation.
Through this process, the exhibition challenges conventional perceptions of chaos, presenting it not as something to be feared, but as a natural part of creativity and self-discovery. Through a body of work that bridges imagination with psychology and building upon her distinctive artistic style, also defined as Mind Chaos, Maryam explores the relationship between disorder and creation. In her practice, what begins as spontaneous patterns and seemingly random lines gradually evolve into structured compositions, revealing the beauty that emerges from the chaos of uncertainty.
Speaking about the concept behind the exhibition, Maryam says that “Mind Chaos is the closest way to describe my artistic process. What may appear random at first gradually reveals itself as a deliberate visual language. The exhibition explores the beauty hidden within the mind — the thoughts we cannot explain, the emotions we cannot always express, and the silent noise that shapes who we are.”
Maryam’s art style is characterised by intricate patterns and a fusion of abstract and surreal elements. Her work explores themes of human psychology, perception and self-reflection. She has exhibited both locally and internationally, participated in charitable art initiatives, and continues to contribute to the UAE’s growing artistic landscape through her visual language and creative vision. She speaks to Gulf Today
How does inner voice/noise become an artistic experience?
There are people like me who live in their own minds. They have their own world. My inner self is not something I can fully explain in words; and that’s where art comes into play. It gives me a canvas to paint my world on. Growing up, I wasn’t very expressive. I spent most of my life not knowing how to express emotions, or even fully feel them. Becoming an artist changed that. It was the first time I felt truly seen. Art gave me an identity and helped me become the person I wanted to be. My inner world is shaped by the experiences I went through growing up. I was isolated from the world in many ways, but the world lived inside my mind for a very long time. Art became the bridge between the two.
Is art a conflict between chaos and harmony?
Art is a way of communicating chaos through harmony. I believe the most interesting art exists between those two extremes. Chaos without harmony is meaningless, and harmony without chaos is boring. An artist who constantly pursues perfection can become predictable. What makes an artist special is the courage to break the rules. You need the confidence to present the chaotic parts of yourself to the world, while still shaping them in a way that can connect with people and respect the culture and environment around you. My work expresses things that cannot always be said directly, but can be interpreted.
Are you an introvert, as an artist?
I’m an introvert and selectively an extrovert. I think most creative minds are built through solitude. You need space for imagination to take over, and do its work. I naturally shift between being alone and being social. But compared to who I was before, I’m much more comfortable around people today.
Who has influenced you as an abstract and surreal artist?
It’s not a person. It’s something within me. Even if you ask me who my role model is, I probably couldn’t give you a name. I never planned to become an artist; I didn’t see someone and decide I wanted to be like one. It just happened. Whenever I struggled to express myself, I painted. Over time, painting became my voice. It healed me in many ways. That’s why being an artist is an identity I’m proud of.
Do you draw by instinct or according to plan?
My work is driven by instinct. Ideas come to my mind and I feel the need to draw them. I rarely plan how a painting will look before I start. I simply go with the flow. Many of my works begin with random patterns that develop naturally in the moment. Even when the styles differ from one painting to another, they are all created intuitively. I think this reflects my personality as well. I often make decisions instinctively and figure things out along the way. Somehow, it works.
Does realism play no role at all in your works?
Realism is present in my work, but not in a traditional visual sense. I’m not interested in realistically painting objects or scenes. Instead, I focus on real emotions, thoughts, and psychological experiences. The mind itself is my subject — and that is very real.
Is art also a therapy for you?
Art started as therapy for me, but it became much more than that. Today, it is part of who I am. It is still a tool I use to grow, heal, and become the person I want to be. More importantly, it allows me to connect with others and hopefully inspire them to see themselves differently, just as art once helped me see myself.