Boys Don't Cry Painting

Zeina Kattan’s work studies humans’ conditions when put under different circumstances that triggers specific behaviours. Her interest lies in the effect memories have on these behaviours as well as the impact of the society they grow up in. In her more recent work, she examines her memories and tries to understand these conditions on a more personal level, starting from her own flashbacks and emotions. Through collaging images, she creates scenarios and atmospheres that are overshadowed with dark sarcasm and speaks mostly of issues faced in daily life, whether it is because of genders, nationalities or even beliefs that are not always celebrated by the people. Kattan’s work has been featured in several group exhibitions including Community and Critique, Warehouse421, Salama bint Hamdan Emerging artists Fellowship, Cohort 6 (2019); NOISE project, Bloomington, Indiana (2018); Vantage Point Sharjah 6, Sharjah Art Foundation, Sharjah (2018); Exit 13, Maraya Art Center, Sharjah (2018); Exit 13, University of Sharjah, Sharjah (2018) and 28th Annual Exhibition, Emirates Fine Art Society, Sharjah (2017). Kattan completed a residency at The Salama bint Hamdan Emerging Artists Fellowship (SEAF) Cohort 6 (2019). She is presently working at Sharjah Art Foundation as a Curatorial Assistant. Kattan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, at the University of Sharjah in Sharjah (2018). Born in Damascus, in 1994 she currently lives and works in the UAE