Kuwaiti artist Dr Waleed Sarab’s works are a vibrant tapestry of artistic expression, subtly woven from Kuwait’s rich cultural heritage. At the heart of his art lies a deep connection between past and present — a bond that comes alive in each of his paintings. In an exclusive interview with Kuwait Times, Dr Sarab shares how his love for art began, and how that passion evolved into a profession — and ultimately, a way of life.

“I began drawing at a young age, encouraged by my family and art teachers throughout the various stages of my education,” Dr Sarab recalls. He later joined the Al-Qadsiya Youth Center, where he actively participated in exhibitions and won several art competitions. “When I started to take my talent seriously, I enrolled at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Kuwait — the closest option available at the time for studying visual arts at the bachelor’s level. By the grace of God, I graduated top of my class and became an assistant lecturer in the theatrical design department,” he adds.

Dr Sarab received a scholarship to study at California State University in the US, where he earned an MFA in 2000 — equivalent to a doctorate in applied arts. Upon returning to Kuwait, he resumed his position as a faculty member at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts. “Throughout my academic career, I’ve participated in numerous art workshops both inside and outside Kuwait, including a course in Italy, during the last summer break,” he shares.

Dr Sarab’s works are elegant, versatile and endlessly captivating. “What inspires me at the start of an artistic process is the idea — and how it’s presented on the canvas. An artist is a visual poet, so the idea must be conveyed in a creative and innovative way,” he explains.

A closer look at his work reveals an artist unafraid to experiment and evolve. His focus is on the act of painting itself — the brushwork, the pigments and the emotional resonance they create. By merging cultural motifs with modernist elements, Dr Sarab has developed a distinct style, although he resists categorization.

“I don’t adhere to a specific style. I adopt whatever style serves the artistic process and helps convey the idea in an engaging way,” he says. He often uses surreal colors — chosen not to reflect life as it is, but how it feels to him. “There isn’t a fixed theme in my paintings. The theme is determined by the idea and how it’s presented. From there, I work on a strong composition, often using contrast to enhance it,” he elaborates.

NCCAL Secretary-General Kamel Al-Abduljalil and the Dean of Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts Dr Ali Al-Enezi with Dr Waleed Sarab at one of his art exhibitions in Kuwait.

Dr Waleed Sarab with his father Hassan Sarab during an exhibition

Dr Sarab has showcased his work in numerous exhibitions in Kuwait and abroad, including the Prague Quadrennial in 2019 and the Bangladesh Biennale in 2022. He received the prestigious State Encouragement Award in 2020 and held his first solo exhibition, Sarab, in 2021. He is also a member of the Fine Arts Society of Kuwait and the Free Atelier of Kuwait.

His recent participations include the Wasem Exhibition in Saudi Arabia (2022), the Artistic Creativity Forum in Qatar (2023), and the first and second Gulf Symposiums on Art in Bahrain (2023–2024). He also took part in the Alla Prima workshop in Italy in 2024. Dr Sarab’s paintings serve as a powerful medium for expressing cultural narratives and preserving heritage. “Our Islamic and Arab heritage is rich in artistic vocabulary, inspiring artists across both the Arab world and the globe,” he says. “Kuwait’s history is filled with stories and epics that reflect the struggles of our ancestors. These are a great source of inspiration for Kuwaiti artists.”