My UAE: The varied canvas of the artist Humaid Mansoor

A profile of the Emirati artist Humaid Mansoor.

Humaid Mansoor, who has been an artist for the past decade. Antonie Robertson / The National

Arabic calligraphy, scrawled almost chalk-like, given a contemporary uplift, combined with vibrant colours, a romantic flair. Some of the abstract works are ablaze with action; others have cool, calm blue tones. These paintings are the creations of the Dubai-based artist Humaid ­Mansoor.

By day, Mansoor works in his family business, managing a chain of medical clinics in ­Dubai. By night, he splatters canvases with his artful touch. Mansoor is a self-taught artist whose work has been part of numerous auctions and exhibitions in Dubai.

He studied business and marketing in Montreal, Canada, a thriving hotspot of art galleries and culture. While living there, he visited one gallery on a daily basis for a month to view a particular painting displayed in a vitrine. “I finally mustered the courage to inquire about it,” he recalls. “Long story short, I realised I could either buy the painting and live with it on the streets for a semester, or stay in school.” He chose the ­latter, but also decided to try painting. “Needless to say, my first try was a disaster. Ten years down the road, I feel my skills have improved, but there’s a lot more that I need to learn,” he says.

One day, Mansoor hopes to own his own studio loft space. “Loads of natural light is a must,” he says. Inspired by travel, Mansoor plays with textures and colours in his work, but doesn’t limit himself to the confines of a canvas. “I try to work on things that push me as an artist,” he says. “I was recently approached by a friend who designs and produces tableware. We just finished working on a collaborative work, which is in its final stages of production.”

Mansoor aims to keep growing his own body of work, while influencing regional and international creatives. “I was one day looking at a painting standing outside a gallery in Montreal in sub-zero temperatures, and thought to myself: ‘Let me give it a try.’ I hope that my work can some day provide [similar] inspiration for another budding artist,” he says.

What five things do you never leave home without?

Cell phone, cologne, wallet, sunglasses and a pair of slippers or “na3al” as we call them.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you like to have with you?

Sunblock (because I burn like a baby), a secret supply of good food and a knife, so I can protect my food.

What’s your favourite tourist attraction in the UAE?

I don’t know if it necessarily classifies as an attraction, but one of my favourite places to visit is Al Bastakiya [now known as Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood] in Bur Dubai, and just hang out by the Creek.

What are your favourite TV shows?

Currently, it would have to be Game of Thrones. However, I can watch Friends on repeat, no problem.

What sort of car do you drive?

Anything that’s big enough to fit a canvas roll into.

What music do you currently have playing on repeat?

Ocean Drive by Duke Dumont.

What would you tell your 15-year-old self?

Humility is key in whatever you do, but don’t undersell yourself either. Also, stop touching those zits, because the scars will never go away.

What do you do to relax?

I always like a good massage.

What’s currently on your shopping list?

An airline ticket for my next trip.

What’s your favourite restaurant?

I enjoy all kinds of food, so this is tough. Having said that, Kabab Ustad in the heart of Bur Dubai will always have a special place in my heart.

What’s your favourite holiday destination?

Take me anywhere in Spain, and I’ll be happy.

Describe your ideal night out, or night in, in Dubai.

Hanging out at a friend’s place with good food – throw in a game of Heads Up!, and you have yourself a party.

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