Military Officer with Lions and Cavalry

Zaina El-Said, born in Amman, Jordan, in 1978, is an artist of Circassian descent. She completed her higher education in 2001 at the American Intercontinental University in London. After extensive travels across Europe, America, and Russia, she returned to Amman in 2010 to pursue a career in art. Initially focusing on painting with an emphasis on geometry and calligraphy, El-Said transitioned to collage art in 2014. Her work involves assembling diverse materials such as magazine cutouts, newspapers, and CD covers to create eclectic and surreal compositions. She later incorporated digital techniques, blending hand-cut and digital collages to explore themes of cultural synthesis and harmony between human innovation and nature. ([zainaelsaid.com](https://zainaelsaid.com/about-zaina/?utm_source=openai))

El-Said's art has been showcased in various solo and group exhibitions across the Middle East, Europe, and Russia. Notable solo exhibitions include "Chaotic Harmony" at Q0DE Art Space in 2021 and "Love & Platonic Love" at the same venue in 2020. Her works are part of esteemed collections, including the Durham University Oriental Museum and the Aga Khan Museum. ([zainaelsaid.com](https://zainaelsaid.com/about-zaina/?utm_source=openai))

El-Said's creations are characterized by their surreal, symmetrical, and colorful patterns, often featuring a central protagonist surrounded by elements from various world cultures, architecture, and nature. She draws inspiration from her Circassian heritage, delving into ancient history, mythology, and cultural issues of the North Caucasus region. Themes such as tree veneration, animism, and ancient pagan rituals are prevalent in her work, reflecting a deep connection to the natural world and a desire to transcend contemporary perspectives. ([zainaelsaid.com](https://zainaelsaid.com/about-zaina/?utm_source=openai))