Zahra Holm finds beauty in imperfection
22.07.20 Interview by Hannah Valentine

Zahra Holm finds beauty in imperfection

Originally from Sweden and Tunisia, artist Zahra Holm has made Paris her home. Using richly-coloured oil paints in her abstract portrayals of the female form, Zahra embraces imperfection to discover a fresh kind of femininity. Here she tells us about her happy place, her need for creative freedom, and her love of the unique flaws that make us human.
22.07.20 Interview by Hannah Valentine

How have you been coping over the last few months during lockdown, and how has your work been affected?
I haven’t been able to go to my studio as I usually do, so I’ve been working from home. I already had some projects in process though, so I’ve tried to work every day as normal. Some adjustments were necessary; I haven't been able to paint any large-scale works or work on canvases so I’ve painted a lot on paper instead – small and large pieces, literally anything I can find! It's been a little frustrating at times, not having all the space I need to express myself. I’m still processing everything, but I’d say that it has affected my art practice in a good way – home has been my safe bubble where I can create endlessly every day.

Things are starting to get back to normal now. Can you tell us about your usual creative process?
I work in my studio in Paris almost every day. I listen to my feelings, my mood. Once I get there I have a cup of tea, I look at my previous artworks, the work in progress and take a moment to think about what I want to do. I donʼt take my computer to my studio – itʼs a happy place where I can paint for hours without any distractions. I usually make a quick sketch before starting a new painting. It rarely ends up the same on the canvas but I quite like that. My use of colour is very intuitive; I donʼt plan, I like to just go for it and play with the colour palette. I mainly work with oil paints, which I love. The smooth feeling is so satisfying and reassuring. It allows me to experiment in different layers, shades and colours.

Zahra Holm
"I donʼt take my computer to my studio – itʼs a happy place where I can paint for hours without any distractions."

You recently collaborated with the French clothing brand Septem. Do you enjoy collaborative projects?
Working on commissions and collaborations is a different practice that can provide an interesting set of restrictions. However, itʼs very important for me to keep my freedom in my work. This pandemic has made things a bit unpredictable, but if all goes well I have a group show in Paris planned for September 2020.

Your paintings focus on portrayals of the female form. What appeals to you about that as a subject?
The female form has always been an obvious subject for me. I find the human body fascinating. For as long as I can remember, I have always drawn portraits and body shapes. The human form appeals to me for its beauty, its complexity, and its fascinating body language. The body has so much to say, it’s an endless subject.

Zahra Holm
"I find beauty in all imperfections – my work is a tribute to the essence of femininity, a modern female focus, bringing forth questions of beauty ideals, body shape and gender."

And you represent the female form using abstract shapes. Why?
For me, an abstract presentation opens a dialogue and lets the viewer see and feel what they want to. Some of my paintings are completely abstract, and some are a bit more figurative, but very few are truly realistic. A lot of artists like Matisse, Paul Klee or Helen Frankenthaler have influenced me and nourish that idea, that expression of inviting dialogue.

Women often feel they have to strive for perfection, particularly in terms of how they look. What does perfection mean to you, and do you try to address that in your work?
For me perfection doesnʼt exist, or at least, itʼs an idea that I donʼt agree with. I find beauty in all imperfections – my work is a tribute to the essence of femininity, a modern female focus, bringing forth questions of beauty ideals, body shape and gender. Abstract shapes and curvaceous lines express the feelings and tell the stories of these modern female forms. Itʼs those little imperfections which make sense. They are charming and unique, and they are purely, truly human.


@zahraholm / zahraholm.com