Salima Oustou, born in ’s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands, on September 2, 1987. As the youngest child in an Arab Riffian Berber family with seven children, the loss of both her parents at a very young age profoundly influenced her emotional and spiritual development. Consequently, the way she experiences the divine cosmic connections in our world with such an intensity that they are a continuous source of inspiration for her work. In her art she combines her religious and spiritual contemporary views on humanity and the way people live, often rooted in different cultural and religious/spiritual backgrounds. Her interest in and talent for the spiritual are the basis for a philosophy of life that strongly influences her creativity. Her work is often inspired by elements derived from Sunnism and the holy prophets of the past. Prophet Mohammed (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam: blessings and peace with him) was Allah’s messenger who symbolizes Love, Hope, Strength and divine light to her.

As a young girl Salima already had a great passion for art, poetry, color and composition. As an autodidact she developed her artistic talent, which she considers to be a gift from God. Her goal of emotional transformation on canvas is to trigger an inner dialogue, to explore hidden emotions. Existential philosophical questions arising from the mysticism of life are central to her work. Painting for her becomes a special medium, a transformation and communication between herself and the world; both abstract –expressionist and poetic.

In her art she also likes to use the magic realism of photography for conceptual investigation and experiment. Here the focus can be fine art, or documentary either based on contemporary themes or specific personal experiences with a special story. In doing so she has developed a passion for black and white photography, preferably using medium format camera’s with classical film.

“Death and loss have found fulfillment in Art. Only art offers me insight and richness, both of which offer life. And with life there is divine creation.”

“In her abstract-expressionist painting Salima transforms specific emotional experiences and influences from the outside, that at the same time run parallel to emotional needs from within. She seeks confrontation with colors, as symbolic means behind the story. These stories are related to tragedies from the past, or more contemporary actual events, the suppression and liberation of the free spirit. Her free spirit, strongly influenced by cultural and religious background, has discovered a medium that enables the approaching of diverse elements from different worlds.

Education: Fine art faculty St. Joost - Ecole du Louvre Paris classical art painting and art history - photography and fine art Rietveld Academy Amsterdam.