Artist Profiles - Samina Hussain - Multidisciplinary Artist
Culture, Art & Empowerment
Samina Hussain is a multidisciplinary artist based in Wales with Pakistani roots, whose work spans henna art, film, graffiti, spoken word poetry, drumming, and mindfulness coaching. With a deep commitment to storytelling, her creative practice is rooted in amplifying the voices and experiences of women from all different backgrounds. She brings together cultural heritage, spiritual reflection, and community activism to create work that is both deeply personal and collectively empowering.
Creative Practice & Mediums
Samina’s artistic journey traverses multiple forms, each woven with themes of identity, self-love, healing, body confidence, and belonging. She is a therapeutic henna artist, using henna as a mindful practice and a medium for emotional connection. Beyond traditional body art, her henna workshops and ceremonies encourage participants to be fully present in their bodies and hearts, transforming henna into a ritual of self-care and celebration rather than a mere adornment.
Her visual storytelling also extends to spray paint and graffiti, where she incorporates henna-inspired patterns to bring visibility to Muslim women and creatives. This vibrant urban expression contrasts yet complements the gentle mindfulness of her henna work.
Additionally, Samina’s voice resonates in spoken word and poetry, where she challenges stereotypes and changes the narrative around brown women and hijabis. Her rhythmic drumming and singing further amplify these messages, blending cultural traditions with contemporary forms of expression.
Creative Journey & Evolution
Samina’s creativity was recognised early; during her teaching degree, she was told by a lecturer that she had a special gift for creativity. Her artistic roots trace back to childhood, making books from paper and finding resourceful ways to express herself. Her love for batik and vibrant colours reflects the rich South Asian heritage where colour is embraced fully and fearlessly.
Her journey intensified during the Covid-19 lockdown , when she began making TikTok videos to connect with others and promote wellbeing through henna. This evolved into a therapeutic practice that supports women in building body confidence, healing trauma, and exploring cultural identity. Becoming a mother deepened her reflection on body confidence and inspired her to integrate henna into everyday self-care rituals.
Themes & Inspirations
Central to Samina Hussain’s work are several powerful themes that reflect both personal and collective journeys. A key theme is healing and self-love, where Samina encourages women to embrace their bodies and stories with compassion. Through her art, she emphasizes the importance of cultural belonging and heritage, celebrating Pakistani and South Asian traditions, particularly through henna and storytelling, as a way of preserving these rich cultural practices.
Another major theme in Samina’s work is empowerment and community. She uses creativity as a tool for encouraging confidence and building sisterhood, especially for Muslim women in Wales and beyond. Additionally, spirituality and faith play a profound role in shaping her artistic practice. Her Islamic faith is deeply embedded in her work, as seen in her film Rahmat, which explores the divine feminine and women’s roles within Islam.
Samina draws inspiration from a variety of sources, including lived experiences, nature, cultural stories, and the resilience of women overcoming adversity. From navigating toxic marriages to confronting societal expectations, her art is an ongoing reflection of these narratives, blending personal healing with collective empowerment.
Notable Projects & Achievements
Samina Hussain has brought to life several remarkable projects that reflect her passion for empowerment, cultural exploration, and creative expression.
One of her most notable works is "Rahmat" (Mercy), a short film co-produced and written by Samina, which was selected for various film festivals. The film delves deeply into themes of belonging, spirituality, and the divine feminine in Islam, offering a powerful exploration of identity and faith.
Another key initiative is the Amplify Project, a powerful endeavor aimed at amplifying the voices of Black and Brown Muslim musicians and poets. As part of this project, Samina also facilitated workshops for hijabi women, empowering them to create and perform poetry. These workshops blended spoken word with drumming and singing, fostering a unique and dynamic fusion of artistic expression.
In addition, Samina led Henna Workshops in Marrakech, where she combined the art of henna with mindfulness and healing. Over several months, these workshops focused on fostering deep presence, spiritual reflection, and a strong sense of community among participants.
Samina’s spoken word performances at venues like Poetry House challenge stereotypes and preconceived notions about Muslim women. Through her art, she celebrates the creative power of women, giving voice to often unheard perspectives.
Current & Future Aspirations
Samina is actively expanding her creative and mentoring roles, with a focus on nurturing talent and inspiring future generations. Her ongoing and future pursuits include:
Offering singing and drumming sessions for youth aged 11-25 in Newport, providing a platform to help them discover and hone their creative talents.
Scaling her henna practice by collaborating with other henna artists and taking on larger-scale projects, broadening the reach and impact of her art.
Launching podcasts to share her creative journey and insights, aiming to inspire others, especially highlighting how setbacks can be a vital part of personal and professional growth.
Championing South Asian women’s creative voices in Wales and beyond, creating spaces for them to step into their power through art and self-expression.
Philosophy & Advice
Samina’s guiding philosophy is deeply rooted in self-belief, courage, and community. She encourages others to follow their hearts, create, sing, and make art that speaks their truth. In her view, it is vital to seek out resources and build connections, as community centres and networks play an invaluable role in personal and professional growth. She also advocates for releasing fear and doubt, urging people to trust in their creative voices and their worth.
For Samina, creativity is not only a form of self-expression, but also a powerful tool for activism and healing. She believes that overcoming shame, fear, and low self-esteem is crucial, as doing so can help nurture personal identity and uplift communities. Through her work, Samina demonstrates the transformative power of creativity in boosting both individual growth and collective empowerment.
