Our Commitment to Cultural Storytelling
We believe in the power of art to evoke memory and celebrate feminine experiences. Our mission is to transform personal narratives into visual masterpieces that reflect cultural identity and emotional depth. By merging artistic practice with academic insight, we create works that are not only visually stunning but also rich in meaning.
Our Creative Process: From Vision to Reality
Our process is rooted in understanding your vision and translating it into evocative visual narratives. We offer bespoke art commissioning, collaborative projects, and exclusive access to limited original works. Each project is a journey of narrative collaboration, ensuring that the final piece is not only a work of art but a meaningful extension of your story.
Film
A professional practice anchored in visual anthropology and storytelling
Direction
Art Direction - Set Design
Film Making
Drawing / Paint
Emotionally driven, culturally rooted art (ink, films, installations)
Commission an art piece
Prints
Design
consulting
Connect, commission, Invest
Installations
Exhibition
Showroom
Event Management
Want to collaborate?
Here are a few ways we can join forces. Continue scrolling to find out more about me and how I work.
Currently open to:
Gallery invitations and international exhibitions
Private or institutional commissions
Residency programs and interdisciplinary partnerships
TESTIMONIALS
What Our Clients Say
Our clients appreciate the emotional depth and cultural relevance of our work. Here’s what they have to say about their experiences with Mona Al-Qanai's art and consultancy services. 'Mona's work transformed our space and connected us to our heritage in a way we never imagined possible.' - Hanan Badiei, Senior Account Manager / Openware.
“Her collection bears spontaneity tinged with philosophical expressions.”
-Gulfweekly Newspaper - journalist
“She can convey such movement and even emotion with such clear sparsity, which is a miracle even to the most trained eye.”
-Hannah Lee Jones - JOURNALIST
“Art is forever fine, beautiful, and aesthetic, especially when crafted meaningfully with an aim and a sense of objectivity.”
-Nancy Oteifa - JOURNALIST
“Created quite a stir in the local art scene. Her paintings, as much as they are unique, portray life in its essence. “
-Aabha Gandhi - JOURNALIST
“Owning one of Mona’s works is like holding a ritual in silence.”
– Private Collector, Kuwait
Where passion meets creativity in an arab society, women’s voices are Heard.
Hi, I’m Mona Al-Qanai.
I’m an Arab-American artist and visual anthropologist based in Kuwait. My work explores the emotional landscapes of memory, identity, and women’s inner lives through ink, installation, and film. From her debut Black series (2005) to her immersive Letting Go exhibition (2023), her work is both intimate and universal—transforming personal narrative into collective resonance.
Recording Sound for my installation
“Step into personal worlds through memory-driven visuals & tactile narrative.”
Insights on Art, Culture, and Memory
Dive into our blog for thought-provoking articles that explore the intersection of contemporary visual arts and cultural identity. From discussions on feminine storytelling to the significance of memory in art, our content aims to inspire and engage. Join us on this journey of reflection and discovery.
-
A life .
a story.
is to be buried.
He died on the 1st, and was buried on the 5th;
an addict, a husband, and a father of 3.
Tragic, and dramatic; yet a blessing.
Time is paused, by life's forces.
Flashing picturesque moments;
4 months alone in space I’ve been.
An ex-heroin, and an Arabian widow.
possessing
smoke, as my companion,
and T.V., as my safe haven.
No job to support,
and no money to feed.
Music is played,
the story is whispered.
as a desert woman seen as a mirage by all our travelers.
I am the Arab woman that all nations haven't heard off
voices of my life have been crumbled, And swept away with thrashes of vocals.
As tears drop into my dry mapped hands thirsty for will.
Nations read and watch what is to become of me.
Traditions have covered me with drapes of layered fabric
forcing my body to stand side by side with my shadow,
all of this hands me support for my Shelter; I am the desert woman is who I am.
As I walk through the deserts dunes
The Sun welds me to grains of Sand.
And Winds Charge into my existence
carving my terrains, leaving me frail, yet ripe
rooted deep into the ground. I am the desert woman, see me thrive I say.
As palm trees give shelter to feed I too have become as thee
forced to take a path I do not desire.
Walking through vast fields of gold as far as the eyes could hold, I am the desert woman
screaming into the desert's core, hoping to hear echoes reflect deep into hearts.
As night falls
deserts claim their feasts.
I am taken,
I am owned,
marked with black borders into my eyes.
I wash my eyes from sands cutting passed my thoughts.
Night offers a slither of salvation thinning out my mind.
And I say I am the desert female;
rooted and bordered.
My Land has taken my life.
Now I must say I Stand today before you as the desert woman that is whole.
Not to be judged or condemned,
but rather to admire for my strength.
" THE END. “
-
Feelings part
as time wipes days
patient
in isolation i've been condemned for truth has
silenced me
saved yet killed
walls speak inch by inch
to different walks
lights go off as i am paused within speed
voices get louder as screams are silent
grabbing hold on grounds and inch-ing every inch of walls
cubic and dark two by two
skies are blocked and dreams are taken
sounding tears drop on floors echoing pains within
don't leave me alone in this cube of dark two by two
floors flood and dry up as time wipes the days off
patient in isolation
what have i done
silent i've been
chained into inched walls
i breath slow
and i hope
that i catch
remains of memories
i once had.
“ THE END.”
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Narrative Series
Theme:
the identity of women in an arab society
An emotional cartography tracing memory, growth, and identity
Theme
The unknown Moments that liberate our spirit
an introspective exploration of love’s response and liberation.
Theme:
The Different Flavors of life are captured in a limited space.
Encourage viewers to savor each piece visually and emotionally, while reflecting on their pasts.
Theme:
offers a poignant meditation on mortality, cultural preservation, and spiritual awakening.
As well as how globalization has impacted society and traditional crafts.
Art Illustration
Theme
Depicting Society and how it is evolving
