In Conversation with Lee Sharrock: The Introduction

Art, Reimagined Across a Lifetime

In this instalment of Culturalee in Conversation, international curator and arts writer Lee Sharrock introduces Egyptian–British–American artist Eman Khalifa, whose journey to becoming a full-time artist is as layered and expressive as her paintings.

A graduate of the American University in Cairo, Khalifa spent over 30 years building a successful business career—all while raising a family as a single mother. But it was her enduring love for fine art that ultimately called her back, and today, she stands at the canvas with renewed purpose and creative freedom.

Khalifa’s artistic voice is marked by striking versatility. She shifts effortlessly between abstraction and figuration, creating works that range from contemplative still life paintings that evoke the quiet harmony of Giorgio Morandi, to expressive florals that channel Georgia O’Keeffe’s reverence for natural beauty. With every brushstroke, Khalifa explores not only visual form, but the life stories and emotional textures that shape her unique perspective.

As Sharrock notes, this is a remarkable “second act”—one where personal history, cultural heritage, and artistic courage intertwine. Over the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing the full Q&A from this interview as part of Eman’s Art Journal. Each post will explore the influences, philosophies, and processes that shape my work.

✨ Stay tuned as we dive into questions of identity, colour alchemy, artistic freedom, and the exhibitions that continue to shape my journey.

👉 You can also read the original feature on Culturalee: Culturalee in Conversation with Eman Khalifa.

💡 Explore my original artworks here.