Date: 295th September 2025
Through the Lens of Survival
An Interview with Dayana Al Shaikh
By Nadine Gallery – Art & Design Lounge
There are artists who create out of curiosity, others out of passion — and then there are those who create out of sheer necessity, where art becomes not only a practice but a lifeline. Dayana Al Shaikh, a photographer and visual artist, has survived cancer not once, but four times. Her work is not just imagery; it is testimony. Each photograph, each frame, carries traces of resilience, vulnerability, and the quiet power of survival.
We sat down with Dayana Al Shaikh to talk about her journey in art and photography, how her sickness has shaped her career, and how she continues to transform pain into beauty.
Early Journey & Art Beginnings
My journey in art and photography started since I was young during my study in school. I used to participate in the school art exhibitions with a great encouragement from my father who is an artist too. He used to teach me the different art styles as I was watching him when he was drawing and painting. My photography passion also started early coz I saw my father taking photos of different subjects to use these photos as an inspirational subject for his artworks.
Art was always a focal point in my life. I wanted to be an artist with a special style. When I saw my father having his own painting style and people would recognize his artworks from his style, this gave me an inspiration that art will be the central part of my life.
Before my diagnosis, art and photography were already central to my identity. Painting since young age and guided by my father, I grew up with creativity as a language of expression and connection. Art was not just a hoppy, it was how I connect with others.
Living with Cancer & Resilience
After being diagnosed with four different cancers, art and photography became my rhythm, my reflection, and my refuge. It shaped my perspective, taught me patience, faith and keep me positive.
The hardest part of my illness was leaving my children and family behind to travel abroad for treatment. That separation was painful — emotionally and spiritually. Being away from their warmth, their voices, and our daily life together felt like losing a part of myself.
Yes, there were moments when I felt like giving up. During the most difficult phases of my treatment, the physical and emotional toll made it hard to pick up a brush or a camera. But art has always been more than a practice — it’s my lifeline. What brought me back was the realisation that even in pain, I could still express something true.
Facing cancer four times has reshaped my entire outlook on life and creativity. Each diagnosis was a reminder of how fragile life is — and how precious. It taught me to live with intention, to appreciate the smallest moments, and to express emotions that words alone couldn’t carry.
Art as Healing & Inspiration
Art became my voice, and photography allowed me to document not just the pain, but the strength, hope and transformation. It became more connected to the essence of being alive. I no longer create just for beauty; I create to honour survival and inspire others.
I can see my creative work often serves as a powerful means of self-expression and storytelling.
I created an artwork with collage style called (The hospital TAGS). I did it with all the name tags which I collected from every visit to the hospital to get my chemotherapy sessions. For me; it represents hope and faith.
Career & Recognition
Of course, my illness impacts my career and opportunities very much. Often requiring adjustments and resilience. Navigate to find strength in redefine my career to move forward.
Sharing my story of fighting cancer with the community had a great and positive impact on them. My friends were proud of me, and I became an icon for encouragement and support. My experience inspired a lot of people.
Following my illness, my art and photography has transformed into a more positive and life-affirming expression, this shift reflects a deep appreciation for life and its beauty.
Inspiration to Others
To anyone grappling with illness and struggling with their identity and creativity, I want to emphasize the importance of having faith and drawing strength from within. And I remind them that they are not alone in this struggle, your inner strength can guide you though.
When viewers engage with my art and photography, my hope is that they feel a sense of positivity and are inspired to recognize the brighter side of life’s struggle. It’s essential for me that my work servers as a reminder that every difficulty can lead to growth and new perspective.
Looking Forward
After enduring numerous surgeries, chemotherapy and pain, I take great pride in knowing that my art become a symbol of patience, hope and strength. I call it (RESILIENCE).
A charity exhibition showcasing the journey of cancer fighters which will give a platform or sharing experiences and support. This could foster a sense of community and raise awareness.
Her story is not only one of art, but of courage. In every frame, Dayana Al Shaikh reminds us that creativity can emerge even from the hardest of places. Her photographs are not just about what we see — but about what we survive.
“Art became my guardian,” she says softly.”