Once upon a time, in the vast and vibrant world of art, there emerged a force of creativity like no other. Born amidst the distant lands of Australia, nurtured by immigrant parents from Palestine and Jordan, Sarah Bahbah defied the boundaries of her culturally conservative upbringing.
Over the course of a decade, Bahbah’s artistry took flight, soaring to incredible heights. With a style uniquely her own, she wove tales that transcended mere imagery. Through a magical fusion of her intimate psyche and cinematic stills, she came up with visually striking stories that reshaped cultures and ignited a profound shift in perception. These stories, adorned with captivating subtitles, unveiled the vast spectrum of chaos and desire in imperfect relationships, exploring the power of vulnerability with audacious fervor.
She believed in the transformative strength of embracing emotional vulnerability and shattered taboos, casting off the shackles of guilt and shame, inviting the world to join her in a joyous celebration of liberation. With every tale she unveiled on the vast canvas of Instagram, a resounding chorus of awe and admiration echoed from her ever-growing audience. Her creations, like enchanting whispers carried by the winds, spread far and wide, their viral fame transcending borders and captivating hearts around the globe.
In 2016, Bahbah embarked on a daring venture, birthing her creative agency, Possy. There, she joined forces with illustrious partners such as Gucci, Condé Nast, Capitol Records, Sony Music, and GQ, etching her mark as the first Arab artist to grace the cover of GQ Middle East. Her directorial prowess knew no bounds as she lent her visionary eye to the creation of three mesmerizing music videos for the acclaimed music producer, Kygo. These masterpieces danced across screens, amassing over 100 million views and leaving audiences spellbound.
As her artistry bloomed, Bahbah’s work found solace in the hallowed halls of 25 renowned art fairs and galleries across the world. From the prestigious Saatchi Gallery in London to the vibrant Zonamaco in Mexico, and the legendary Scope Art Basel, her creations delighted the senses and challenged the norms of the traditional art world. Yet, ever the independent spirit, she yearned to chart her own path, unburdened by the constraints of convention. With courage and determination, she embarked on a journey of self-funding, mesmerizing audiences with five awe-inspiring solo exhibitions that set the world ablaze.
In her quest to break down the barriers between art and the public, Sarah Bahbah dared to challenge the established norms of the art world. She introduced a revolutionary concept, a ‘pay what you can’ sliding scale initiative, making her art accessible to all. Through this audacious move, she shattered the exclusivity that often veiled the beauty of art, inviting countless souls to partake in the magic she wove. The response was overwhelming as her prints, embodying the essence of her artistry, found their way into the lives and hearts of over 25,000 passionate admirers. But it was in the year 2020 that Bahbah embarked on a profound and impactful journey. With her series “3ieb!” resonating in Arabic and “Shame On Me!” echoing in English, she stepped boldly in front of the camera for the first time. In a provocative display, she expressed her ardent desire for sexual liberation from the shackles of her cultural restrictions. The subtitles, adorned with the graceful strokes of Arabic calligraphy, ignited a powerful uproar within the MENA community. Simultaneously, her courageous act gave voice to countless women who harbored the same fervent yearning, illuminating a path towards their shared liberation.
Shortly after, Bahbah unveiled her magnum opus, “Fool Me Twice,” a photographic symphony that delved deep into Attachment theory. Through the most intimate inner dialogues of two protagonists caught in the web of an Anxious-Avoidant trap, she revealed the raw complexities of human connection. This captivating creation mesmerized audiences worldwide, capturing the gaze of millions across the vast expanse of the internet and gracing the pages of esteemed publications such as the New York Times, Forbes, Business Insider, The Cut, Vogue US, Hollywood Reporter, Vice, and many more. And now, in the year 2023, Sarah Bahbah’s artistic legacy continues to flourish. She presented her first-ever luxury fine art book, an opus of emotions titled “Dear Love.” With each turn of the page, readers embarked on a journey through the tapestry of her soul. The world responded with resounding applause, acquiring over 7,500 copies in a magnificent display of affection and appreciation for her indomitable spirit.
Sarah Bahbah, a creative luminary, an audacious rebel, and a champion of vulnerability, carved her name into the annals of artistry. Her brushstrokes of authenticity and unyielding passion will forever echo through the hearts of those who dare to embrace the liberating power of self-expression.
1. If you were a colour in a coloured crayon box which colour would you be? Pastel Pink.
2. Name one thing that inspires you the most? Feeling.
3. Title your latest creation. Crunchwrap Supreme.
4. What’s your favorite dish? Sushi.
5. What are you currently watching? Succession.
6. Are you currently reading anything, if yes what is it? Dear Love.
7. What’s a song you always repeat in your head? Someday – The Strokes.
8. If you could wake up tomorrow morning having gained one superpower, what would it be? Teleportation.
9. Where are you traveling next? Austin (on a flight right now)
10. What makes you laugh? His laugh.
11. Your favorite Disney movie? It’s not Disney but PRINCE OF EGYPT.
12. Where are you now? In the sky.
13. Sarah Bahbah art in NFT, yes or no? Neither.
14. One Word that describe your latest book ‘Dear Love’. Therapy.