Hayfa Abdullah is a Saudi Arabian female artist from Jeddah, KSA. She recently completed her undergraduate studies at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where she majored in Fine Arts with a focus on surrealism. She is currently an MFA student at the Academy of Art University.

In 2014 Hayfa was selected to design the promotional material for Columbia University’s INSTEP graduate program. In 2015, Hayfa had her work showcased at Cube Art in Dubai, during Eye Art at the Arabian Wings in Jeddah, KSA, and at Festival at the Arabian Wings. This year Hayfa is preparing two solo shows, the first one in March will be at the Rochan gallery in Jeddah and the second will mark her international debut, with a highly anticipated exhibition of 25 works that will be on view at the renowned New York gallery Stellan Holm, from April 21st to May 27th, 2016.

Her current body of work focuses on surrealist representations of Arabic culture. In contrast to the traditional rendering of Islamic moors and identity, Hayfa’s approach to capturing her people utilizes more bold and progressive content— exotic women arising from Hookah pipes, intriguing gentleman pouring from coffee pots, and fiery femme fatales erupting through spray bottles or handheld lighters. Hayfa’s work dares to reimagine the Arabic spirit through a lens that is modern, vibrant, and rebellious. Hayfa Abdullah is among the next wave of female artists bursting from the Kingdom.

Education

2019 MFA Painting Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California

2015   BFA Painting Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California

Solo Exhibitions

2019    Naila Art Gallery, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2019    Artexpo SOLO, New York, NY

2016    Stellan Holm Gallery, New York, NY

2016    Rochan Gallery, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Group Exhibitions 

2015    Eye Art Exhibition, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 

2015    Art Dubai, Tabasher Exhibition, Dubai UAE 

2015    Arabian Wings, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Commissions 

2014    Columbia University, INSTEP Masters Program