Finding Voice Through Art: Saudi Storyteller Noura Alashwali’s Journey from Private Grief to Public Expression

Jeddah – Saudi visual storyteller Noura Alashwali stands as a powerful example of how personal creativity is increasingly finding space within the Kingdom’s evolving cultural landscape.

For Alashwali, artistic expression has always been deeply personal, rooted in childhood memories of drawing and writing as a natural extension of her identity.

From the age of four, she found comfort and meaning in visual storytelling, preserving early sketches that now symbolize a lifelong connection to art.

Her academic journey at Dar Al-Hekma University gave formal shape to this instinct, equipping her with the tools of graphic design and visual communication.

Graphic design, she believes, is not simply about aesthetics but about conveying ideas, emotions, and lived experiences through imagery.

As her work shifted from traditional mediums to digital platforms, her storytelling voice became more defined and intentional.

A defining chapter in her creative life emerged in 2023, following the passing of her mother, when art became a means of emotional survival.

Drawing and writing turned into a private ritual, allowing her to process grief without the pressure of public interpretation.

These intimate reflections slowly evolved into Deema and the Old Letters, her debut graphic novel rooted in memory, loss, and healing.

Initially never meant for publication, the project remained a personal archive until an unexpected opportunity appeared.

In early 2024, Alashwali discovered the Authors’ Incubator Program launched by the Ministry of Culture’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission.

The inclusion of graphic novels among supported genres encouraged her to submit her work, marking a turning point in her creative journey.

Acceptance into the program provided mentorship, structure, and validation that transformed her private work into a public cultural contribution.

Over six months, she worked closely with academic and creative mentors who helped refine her narrative while preserving its emotional depth.

The experience culminated in a publishing agreement, allowing her story to reach readers across Saudi Arabia.

For Alashwali, institutional support offered more than professional growth; it affirmed that deeply personal stories have a place in national culture.

She describes this recognition as transformative, strengthening her confidence and sense of belonging within the creative community.

Her graphic novel explores themes of depression and self-discovery, using symbolic imagery and visual poetry to express inner states.

The warmth of Jeddah’s landscapes contrasts with emotional darkness, reflecting the city’s role as a place of authenticity and comfort.

Choosing to publish in Arabic was a conscious decision to enrich local storytelling and connect with Saudi readers directly.

At the same time, she remains open to sharing her work with international audiences through future translations.

Beyond publishing, the incubator introduced her to artists from different regions of the Kingdom, fostering collaboration and shared inspiration.

These connections reflect a broader shift in Saudi Arabia’s arts scene, where creators are increasingly supported, connected, and heard.

Alashwali has since participated in workshops, book fairs, and cultural programs, engaging audiences of all ages.

Her approach emphasizes emotional honesty over technical perfection, encouraging participants to express feelings through visual narratives.

She believes that storytelling becomes powerful when people feel safe enough to open their hearts creatively.

Her upcoming project draws inspiration from conversations with her young daughter, exploring imagination through sensory metaphors.

This idea reflects her belief that creativity and innocence can offer new ways of understanding the world.

Looking ahead, Alashwali hopes to dedicate more time to her art, viewing continued creation as success in itself.

She approaches new ideas with gratitude and responsibility, seeing them as meaningful opportunities rather than fleeting inspiration.

Her journey illustrates how personal grief, when supported by cultural institutions, can evolve into collective expression.

Noura Alashwali’s story mirrors a wider cultural transformation where vulnerability, creativity, and identity are embraced.

Through her work, she continues to shape a space where Saudi stories are told with honesty, care, and creative freedom.