Can you describe Jordan’s creative scene for us?
Jordan has a wealth of talented artists – be they painters, sculptors, architects, photographers, or fashion and jewellery designers. Many of them have already gained regional and international recognition. But the art movement is growing here in Jordan. Young talent is emerging constantly with innovative works and new styles. The local art scene really is becoming increasingly recognized. For example, in September 2016 I was part of the launch of the first Amman Design Week, which gave a big confidence boost to the creative scene here in Jordan.
Where’s the best spot to get an art hit in Jordan?
Jabal Al Weibdeh in old Amman. It has the The Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts and Darat al Funun which launched in 1988 as an initiative to support the arts and artists of Jordan and the Arab world. Many artists live and work there. The 1st circle in Amman is also considered an art hub. Dar Al Anda Art Gallery, Wadi Finan for Art, Nabad Art Gallery, Salam Kanaan Gallery, Kareem Art Gallery, Foresight, Orient Gallery are just a few that you can visit and enjoy some local, regional and international works of art.
You also design tattoos – so where is the best place to get a tattoo in Jordan?
Yes I do, calligraphy tattoos are becoming very popular here in Amman, and I get more and more design requests every day. For my own tattoos, I went to Huzz tattoo parlour for the names of my children. For my wife’s name and the wedding ring I had tattooed on my finger to mark our 15th year anniversary, I went to Fareed Hattar. Both are excellent tattoo parlours.
In your eyes, what is it that really sets Jordan apart as a destination?
Although Jordan is a small country, it has a wealth of treasures to visit and enjoy. The blue skies and seas are beautiful. We have Petra, our world heritage site, the Dead Sea the lowest point on earth, and the majestic Wadi Rum, and Mount Nebo, the Baptism site, and the many desert castles and ancient ruins scattered all over the country. There’s so much history here. But Amman the capital is an exciting city visit and to explore. The good food and the good people are what sets Jordan apart. They make it a peaceful, stable and interesting country.