is a multidisciplinary creative whose philosophy is deeply rooted in staying true to what is real and raw—exploring the inner self before venturing beyond. This guiding principle is part of her heritage as the great-granddaughter of El-Mahdi and El-Khalifa, the founding fathers of Sudan. A graduate of Fashion Design in London, she began painting in the early 2000s, driven by an instinctive pull toward visual storytelling.
A self-taught artist, El Khalifa discovered her passion for abstract art in childhood through sketching, a practice that has evolved alongside her 25+ year career in the television and media industry. Her work blends tradition with modernity, transforming life experiences into emotionally resonant and visually bold narratives.
Having called the UAE home for over 24 years, El Khalifa draws powerful inspiration from the women of the GCC—particularly Emirati women—as well as those from Sudan and the wider Arab world. Her art celebrates the strength, resilience, and richness of their identities, shaped by deep-rooted cultural legacies and distinct societal influences. She explores how these women, though shaped by different contexts, share a vibrant common thread of dignity, depth, and power.
Through layered textures and expressive forms, El Khalifa’s abstract works delve into the complexity of womanhood, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and transformation. Her pieces offer a powerful reflection of the diverse realities of modern women—rooted in heritage, shaped by society, and unapologetically present.