Susan Brooker came to Dubai, unsurprisingly, as an expat working in the oil and gas industry. Little did she know that her future would consist of a diametrically opposite solo exhibition as an upcoming artist in Dubai’s art scene. Brooker’s exhibition titled “Ladies in Paint” currently on display at Z Gallery in Four Point by Sheraton on Sheikh Zayed Road features 15 contemporary paintings that are all portraits of women. Amongst these, there are portraits of iconic females of the 21st century such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Aiko, and even the Queen. But besides famous individuals, Brooker has also depicted anonymous women that embody beauty, power and female strength, in her paintings such as The Geisha, or Indian Beauty.

Brooker vividly captures femininity “by using a combination of oils and palette knife application in her own distinct style” that draws upon graffiti artists and black and white photography. The 60’s were a huge influence for Brooker, especially artists such as David Walker and Hopare, which is subtly reflected in her portraits. When considering art, it is only natural to realize that women are underrepresented in the field—especially women creating paintings of other women. The male form has been explored in all dimensions of a art by other men as have women subjects been exploited by many male artists. Susan Brooker subscribed to a growing tradition of female art through her unique and powerful exhibition targeted at other women in the audience.

These paintings and other by the artist are available for sale on Brooker’s website with price on demand. Brooker has previously exhibited in Dubai and London and also has paintings in private collections in Kuwait, UAE, Montenegro, UK and Belgium. In addition to this, she is actively involved in art instruction as she features in Contemporary Art of Excellence by the Global Art Agency and currently lives and teaches art in Dubai.