At Buro247 Middle East, we are committed to showcasing and celebrating the extraordinary talent in the Arab world. With our column, #BuroSpotlights, we bring you stories of pioneering artists, innovative designers, tech trailblazers, cinematic visionaries, sports stars, and more.
This week, #BuroSpotlights Visual Artist Khalid Mezaina.
Khalid Mezaina knows how to bring a burst of life to everyday surroundings. He’s the artist who can take a sprawling cityscape, an old textile pattern, or a quirky comic book reference and spin it into something fresh and full of energy. When you see one of his silk-screened prints or eye-catching illustrations, it feels like stepping into a playful dance of color and form. This magnetic mix of local heritage and contemporary culture has turned Mezaina into one of Dubai’s stand-out creative forces.
Long before he set up his independent studio, Mezaina was immersed in the country’s thriving art scene. He honed his skills at the American University of Sharjah, earning a BS in Visual Communication in 2006. His knack for design led him to roles at the Sharjah Art Foundation and Tashkeel, organizations that encouraged him to experiment and refine his style. Exposure to these spaces—and the creative minds passing through them—ignited his decision to pursue an individual path as an illustrator, surface designer, and graphic artist.
Personal growth and professional ambition later took him to the Rhode Island School of Design, where he graduated with an MFA in Textiles in 2018. This second degree enriched his perspective on the power of pattern, fabric, and textile-based techniques, adding extra depth to his illustrations. From there, he channeled his passion into a full-time studio practice in Dubai, balancing self-directed art projects with commissions and collaborations.
Mezaina’s creative language taps into a lively fusion of sources: traditional costumes and textiles, vintage comics, music, and design details he observes around the city. He often highlights elements of Emirati culture in a way that feels both respectful and forward-thinking. Screen printing is one of his key processes, and he’s been known to apply it to everything from apparel and packaging to murals and large-scale installations. Whether the backdrop is a gallery, a busy street, or a product on a store shelf, his aim is always the same: to share snippets of his life and passions in a format that resonates far beyond conventional art venues.
An essential part of Mezaina’s journey is education. Having benefited from rich artistic communities himself, he now offers workshops for adults and children, inspiring others to dive into print-based techniques. This teaching role reflects his belief in art as a conversation—an exchange where stories, skills, and experiences pass from one set of hands to another.
He sets an example for aspiring designers who want to create art that doesn’t stay behind closed doors. His designs pop up on clothing, stationery, and more, all while championing a sense of curiosity and wonder. By weaving his surroundings into a tapestry of personal references, Khalid Mezaina reminds us that art is something you carry with you, stitched into everyday life.
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