Innovation and The Blockchain: Meet Stephany Sanossian – the artist raising the cultural values of KSA’s digital space

Dubai-based and of Armenian/Syrian descent, Stephany Sanossian has a Master’s Degree in Research for Design and Innovation at Elisava in Barcelona, Spain. For the artist, the juxtaposition of both Eastern and Western images is a great way to expose similarities and differences in various cultures and societies. Perhaps what first sparked her interest in design was the hope of changing people’s perceptions of KSA’s creative landscape. Now, Sanossian is taking the lead in the field and blending technology into craftsmanship too. But what is her trajectory? We sit down with the artist and find out what makes her tick.

Also, we must take into consideration that the younger generation doesn’t usually believe in the west and east. They believe that there is one planet that we’re inhabiting and must be sustained.

You’ve done your master’s degree in Barcelona. How do you blend Western and Eastern influences within your work?
Not gonna sugar coat it and tell you that I haven’t been influenced far too much by western pop culture. However, I believe there is a small portion of each one of the pop-lover middle eastern creators that always want to create their own pop design/ art for their circle and environment.

Also, we must take into consideration that the younger generation doesn’t usually believe in the west and east. They believe that there is one planet that we’re inhabiting and must be sustained.

The vision of the KSA art and design scene is astonishing. I wouldn’t add anything to it. The pace is great. People are advocating for it.

Currently, your aesthetic fluctuates between Sofia Coppola and the golden age of collage art. What mediums do you prefer to work with most?
That’s flattering to hear. – Being a graphic designer by heart has always made it easy for me to create anything and everything on my mac in a few minutes. But, I am pushing myself for less screen time and more handmade work! So, during summer 2022, I have been working with a craftsman located in Damascus, Syria, and trying to excel at Syrian handmade marquetry. Therefore, fewer digital collages and more installations.

Do you think social media is primordial regarding visual arts and the blockchain? Or do you prefer a more traditional approach to design?
I love and embrace technology. It makes our life much easier. I love using tools to express my ideas, artworks, and anything related to human beings. We are in the middle of a tech revolution, we’re living it. I cannot tell where we’re heading, but let’s hope for the best.

Traditional vs new tech.

One shouldn’t cancel another. It’s not a black-or-white matter. It’s the grey area in between.

In coexistence, I do believe.

What is the most important thing you want people to take away from your work?
Middle eastern culture is too rich and strong. I want the viewer to ask themselves questions that they’ve never asked before after seeing my work. I hope one never stops asking questions. Why would we look for inspiration in different cultures when ours is super rich and strong? I believe in pushing the limits, opening dialogues, and finding different possibilities for every question.

If you could list five artists you’d love to collaborate with from KSA, who would they be and why?
The art scene is growing every day! I would always love to collaborate and bring new work to life. We just need to embrace authenticity and meaningfulness. Diriyah biennale foundation is doing extremely beautifully and would love someday to bring some art together.

What do you want to add to KSA’s current cultural landscape?
The vision of the KSA art and design scene is astonishing. I wouldn’t add anything to it. The pace is great. People are advocating for it.

How would you like to innovate it?
Always educating and creating a safe space for people to learn about the metaverse.

Less is more or more is more?
As an Arab, More is always going to be more. We love it more. We thrive for more. As someone who cares about the environment: less plastic and super fast fashion for sure.

What is style to you?
Style is being genuine, style is being kind and leaving a humanist first impression. Style is to help everyone around you and make the world a better place. Style is being an icon without you aiming for

What is authenticity to you?
Doesn’t it all come from values and traditions? For me, it comes from childhood, experiences, family, and environment. It’s trying to be a better person today and every day whether it’s by cooking a dish or making art.