Isabella Al-Sharif reclaims the divine feminine with her awe-inspiring exhibit “Her Temple” at LeMoyne Arts.
The exhibit displays artwork from more than 20 female artists and one male artist to challenge the unequal value of not just women’s art but minority artists’ work.
The grand opening on Aug. 22 was a rousing success as the local art community packed LeMoyne Arts to see Al-Sharif’s highly anticipated exhibit. Her art has an uplifting message, accessible to people from all walks of life.
“When I say divine femininity, I’m not just talking about women or girls,” said Al-Sharif. “It’s also geared towards men and I try to be inclusive because I feel we all have that feminine and masculine center. It’s about balancing those two.”
Al-Sharif’s large-scale, gold-leaf acrylic paintings have an appealing aesthetic. The inspiration for her artwork spans three generations—both her mother and her daughter have played a role in her artwork.
“My mom had clipped artwork all over the house, like posters and I would see women surrounded by gold and it was very regal and royal to me,” Al-Sharif said. “I create my art for [my daughter] because I want her to know what it is to be an empowered woman in the world and to never be afraid to express who she is and to stand in her truth.”
In the five years since moving to Tallahassee, Al-Sharif has made her presence known as an artist and inspiration to everyone within the Tallahassee art community. She serves as a board member at Railroad Square’s 621 Gallery and programming coordinator for LeMoyne Arts. Her newest exhibit seeks to empower everyone who has the pleasure of looking at it.
“When I say empowerment, I’m not talking about the empowerment that people just throw around. For me, it’s way deeper than that,” Al-Sharif said. “It’s about those times in life where you’re surrounded by darkness fear and you have to make that conscious decision and find that strength to get out of it and to find hope, even when you don’t even see it.”
Planning the exhibition began a little over a year ago. Art isn’t as simple as throwing paintings on a wall; it’s a process and a passion. Al-Sharif’s passion is inspired by her love for art in the community.
The arts of Tallahassee may be in jeopardy after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis cut funding to Florida Arts programs by $32 million in late June. This defunding was justified by the expenses being deemed as an “inappropriate” use of state funds.
Despite this, Tallahassee artists are fighting back. Artists like Al-Sharif say DeSantis’ budget cut won’t take away the passion they have for their art.
Al-Sharif started a change.org petition to save the arts in Tallahassee. The petition demands the local and state governments restore and upgrade funding to ensure the investment in the arts & culture community.
Despite all the uncertainty surrounding the arts, the show must go on. Local musicians Ed Prasse and the R&R Sisters provided the live music for the opening event on a picturesque evening in Tallahassee.
Attendees sip their champagne and make their way from room to room. Her paintings light up a room and have a regal appeal as if one is in the presence of a king or a queen.
Artists like Al-Sharif continue to do what they do best — using their artistic talents to connect with people through exhibitions like “Her Temple.” Whether it’s painting, poetry, writing or sculpting, artists have a way to uplift society on a spiritual and emotional level. Al-Sharif’s art is spiritual, elegant, inclusive and balanced.
The exhibit will be featured at LeMoyne Arts until Sept 21.