Anovia- In a thoughtful tribute to creativity and cultural expression, Anovia Magazine has chosen Shereen Odeh, the distinguished Jordanian artist, for its Special Art Week Edition.
Recognized for her unique ability to blend emotion, memory, and identity through color and form, Shereen embodies the spirit of artistic storytelling that Anovia Magazine proudly champions.
Born in Amman, Jordan, and nurtured by the vibrant colors and textures of her homeland, Shereen has spent a lifetime weaving her passion for art into a language of emotion and expression. A graduate of the Institute of Fine Arts in 1992, she studied under the guidance of renowned mentors such as Dr. Khaled Khreis, and later honed her craft through printmaking workshops at Darat al Funun with Professor Lynn Allen.
From her early school days, art flowed naturally, an instinct that grew into a lifelong calling. Encouraged by her family, friends, and colleagues, Shereen built a career defined by authenticity, curiosity, and heart.
After several years in Montreal, Canada, her “second home”, she now divides her time between Montreal and Amman, each rich in its own rhythm and culture, continue to shape her artistic identity and her sense of self. Through her work, Shereen bridges continents and experiences, offering a visual narrative that celebrates belonging, memory, and the beauty of connection.
Anovia: What inspires your art?
Shereen: Life itself inspires me. It’s beauty, struggles and contradictions. I am deeply moved by events that touch our humanity, especially those in our region. I’d like to think my art reflects resilience and hope. Through color, texture and symbolism, I try to spread love and positivity even in the darkest times.
Anovia: If your artwork could speak, what would it say about Shereen Odeh and the world today?
Shereen: It would say that I am a woman who feels deeply and refuses to give up on hope.
The world today can be cruel but I believe art can be a form of healing. My work often speaks of Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, places close to my heart.
I use symbols like the watermelon, pomegranate, olive branches, jasmine and lemon. Through them, I hope to send a message of love and unity.
I am against hate and war, and I believe that if we, as artists, can spread messages of compassion through our art, that is a triumph in itself.
Anovia: How do the materials you use help convey your message?
Shereen: My early years were devoted to painting but over time I transitioned into mixed media, book art and collage, often incorporating resin, which gives my work depth and texture.
I started doing collage seriously when I moved to Canada about seven years ago. Working with new textures like wood and resin allowed me to express complex emotions in layered, tactile ways. Each material carries meaning, paper for fragility, wood for grounding, resin for preservation and memory.
Anovia: As an artist living between Montreal and Jordan, how do these two cultures influence your work?
Shereen: Living between two worlds has been a blessing. In Montreal, I was influenced by the colorful energy of modern and pop art. It encouraged me to experiment freely and think outside traditional boundaries.
In Amman, my inspiration turns inward. I am surrounded by history and culture, as well as the daily realities of the Middle East. Here, my art becomes more emotional, connected to identity and belonging.
I think the balance between these two places creates a unique rhythm in my work.
Anovia: Your artwork often reflects themes of identity and resilience. Can you share a personal story or experience that has profoundly influenced your artistic expression?
Shereen: The events in Palestine, especially since October 7, have deeply affected me. I created a series of collages that, while acknowledging the pain and darkness of that time, aimed to spread hope and light.
People from around the world reached out to tell me that my work touched them and gave them strength. That meant everything to me. It showed that art can transcend borders and heal hearts. I’ve also drawn inspiration from my Syrian roots, my parents and grandparents’ homeland, which holds cherished memories of childhood and family.
Anovia: If you could collaborate with any artist, living or from history, who would it be and why?
Shereen: I would love to collaborate with Andy Warhol. He was such a fascinating and revolutionary figure. I admire how he celebrated everyday life and turned ordinary objects into cultural icons. His use of repetition, bright colors and silk-screen techniques was groundbreaking. I’ve even created a few pieces inspired by him, featuring celebrity faces and modern themes. I imagine our collaboration would be bold and full of energy, a dialogue between cultures and eras.
Anovia: In your view, how can art serve as a tool for social change, and have you witnessed your work inspiring action or dialogue within communities?
Shereen: Art is one of the most powerful tools for change. In times marked by war, disease, hate, and discrimination, art can unite people and ignite conversation.
I’ve witnessed this through my own work, especially pieces celebrating women’s resilience and empowerment. Many viewers have told me that my art made them reflect or even gave them hope.
I’ve also donated works to charities supporting Palestine and other humanitarian causes. Knowing that my art can make a small difference or spark dialogue is incredibly fulfilling.
Anovia: Finally, what does art mean to you personally?
Shereen: Art has been my lifelong companion and source of strength and joy. My studio is my sanctuary, where I lose track of time and reconnect with myself.
I’ve never regretted choosing this path. There’s a saying I hold close to my heart: “When you do what you love, it’s not work anymore.” That’s exactly how I feel about art. It’s my way of living and giving back to the world.
