By Sana Panjwani
Food and art are both equally appreciated in their own domains, but when food and art come together, the result is immensely and deliciously amazing.
Like many Instagram users, Saudi photographer and artist Ahlam Alnajdi used the social media platform to share pictures of her daily life and hobbies. But when she began sharing her miniature, life-like clay sculptures on the popular platform, she tapped into a unique creative venture where food meets art.
Garnering over 3.6 million followers, she now has one of the biggest followings on Instagram in the Arab World. Creating beautiful, incredibly realistic sculptures, food is a popular running theme in her work that has now blossomed into a business.
Her work often showcases certain well-known brands such as Kitkat and Starbucks, but Alnajdi has clearly stated that it is in no way promotional but simply because “these brands are so ubiquitous and popular.”
Her work looks so life-like that it has most people itching to somehow grab at it through their monitors. Due to popular demand, Alnajdi, has written two books on her artwork and even has a YouTube channel, showcasing remarkable clay work that leaves you salivating.
As a 32-year old Saudi resident in Riyadh, Alnajdi is all too aware of the struggles women often face in the Arab world. Still, she stands as an example and story of ambition and success.
In fact, her actions support the notion that the Middle East is garnering a lot of social media activity.
In fact, her actions support the notion that the Middle East is garnering a lot of social media activity. Saudi Arabia sports one of the world’s highest usage rates for digital media with about 8 million of the country’s population using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Whatsapp, Snapchat and Keek.
Besides using social media as a means to connect with people, many innovative individuals are using these platforms to kick start their businesses, generate income and economically empower themselves using technology that most people take for granted.
“I think my work proves that with a bit of ambition and persistence, it’s possible for any young person in Saudi Arabia to build a successful business,” Alnajdi said. “People are proud of me and I think I’m a good example of an Arab girl who managed to reach people from across the world with her work.”
Follow for more delicious inspiration, follow Ahlam Alnajdi on Instagram.
Comments
Facebook
Twitter
Contact
Elan.tv
Seriously? These are clay?!? I would probably eat them anyways 😛 LOLOLOL
[…] photographer and artist Ahlam Alnajdi also found success on Instagram by creating beautiful, life-like clay sculptures of food, cakes and pastries that look good enough to eat. She currently has one 3.7 million followers – one of the […]