JEDDAH: Saudi artist Haya Al-Tasan’s booth stood out at the Classy Expo 2023, held from Oct. 25 to Oct. 31 at Jeddah Super Dome. Al-Tasan, a cancer survivor, discovered healing through the power of painting, giving her solace and strength. She told Arab News: “I used to love art and drawing since I was a little girl but never took it seriously until I discovered it was more than just a hobby. Drawing and engaging in art became a source of happiness and therapy for me, providing a positive and uplifting energy. It was like feeding the soul with art.” The Classy Expo was a turning point in Al-Tasan’s artistic journey, with the surprise booth arranged by her daughter. Visitors were captivated by the work displayed in her art booth. “I feel speechless and so happy, emotional, when visitors recognize the artwork and feel my pain and happiness through my artwork,” Al-Tasan said. Through her work, she hopes to convey messages of happiness, resilience and the idea that from every negative experience something beautiful can emerge. “I wanted people to see happiness in my artwork and to feel that all the pain I went through led to beautiful artwork and turned out to be something good. From everything bad, there is good. Don’t give up, keep trying,” she said. Art has also played a significant role in Al-Tasan’s personal growth. It has helped her to find calm, avoid taking things personally, and to make decisions without regrets. “The process helped me to calm down and be patient,” she said. Al-Tasan’s artwork is inspired by the culture of Africa, specifically focusing on the beauty of African women and their traditional attire. Her skillful brushstrokes capture the vibrant colors, patterns and textures of African fashion, creating visually stunning pieces. Her paintings not only pay homage to African heritage but also promote cultural appreciation and understanding. Her artwork often portrays the joy and energy of dance, taking viewers on a journey that expresses the rhythm and movement of music. She also incorporates the delicate beauty of flowers, using their colors and forms to add depth and symbolism to her creations. Through her diverse range of subjects, Al-Tasan’s artwork showcases her talent and passion for capturing the essence of culture, music and nature. Al-Tasan aspires to share her work with a wider audience. The expo helped to open doors for her, allowing her to network, meet art enthusiasts and receive offers from various stores. Al-Tasan is determined to become an artist known worldwide and plans to continue creating art and engaging with others.