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 Kuwaiti illustrator Ahmed Al-Refaie. Widely recognized by his artistic moniker, Owaikeo, Al-Refaie studied English Literature at university before finding his passion in digital illustration and graphic design. Now, he stands as one of the region’s most celebrated professionals in the field.
Al-Refaie’s distinctive style is best known for its creative and contemporary portrayal of the Gulf and wider Arab culture. He draws inspiration from a diverse array of sources, ranging from cultural events and traditions to personal experiences and everyday occurrences, all of which he skillfully exaggerates to convey meaningful messages through his art. Over the years, the Kuwaiti talent has collaborated with brands like Google, Snapchat, Talabat, and more.
Al-Refaie is best known for two of his artistic series: Villains from Middle Eastern Folklore and Traditional Professions from the Arab World. In the former, he depicts the dark characters of regional folklore, while the latter chronicles the enduring occupations in the Arabian region.
