Janan Shihadeh || Crafting Artistry Across Multifaceted Realms
As a Palestinian–American multifaceted artist with over three decades of experience, Janan Shihadeh has created bespoke pieces for an international clientele that are nothing short of extraordinary. From painting building facades to designing murals, customizing Mercedes G-Wagon for the UAE’s “She’s Mercedes” campaign, and fashioning a bespoke candle line, Janan has done it all, armed with the Midas touch, Janan elevates priceless designer handbags and furniture with her unique style.
Describing herself as a bespoke artist of many surfaces, Janan’s artistry sprawls across diverse canvases, reflecting her innate ability to adapt and innovate. From the grandeur of building facades to the intricacies of hand-painted leather, she crafts a unique narrative for each project, embracing the beauty of uniqueness and individuality.
“I would describe myself as a bespoke artist of many surfaces—buildings, ceilings, walls, carpets, cars, furniture, and lately, leather… in multimedia.”
To Janan, the term “luxury artist” finds its application in the realm of customization for prestigious brands like LV and Hermes. It’s a marriage of artistry and opulence, where her hand influences the iconic canvas of a Hermes Birkin, commanding admiration in the luxury market.
Janan also acknowledges the influence of her Palestinian heritage and uses her platform to bring awareness through artistic endeavors like the Kufiya butterfly initiative. Yet, she emphasizes that unless asked, elements of Palestinian culture are not overtly incorporated into her art, allowing each piece to stand on its unique merit.
“I am a global refugee in a sense and my life’s journey has indeed influenced my level of exposure in the art world. When I am asked to do Palestinian-themed work, which I have done with PCRF on several occasions, and recently with my Kufiya butterfly Initiative I actively engage in spreading awareness; the butterflies become a powerful metaphor for freedom, while the Kufiya, an emblem of the Palestinian culture.”
Over two decades ago, Janan designed a practical yet artistic solution—a Ctable crafted from palisander wood, lapiz, and mother of pearl. This birthed the functional art for the home, a concept now embodied in the leather J tables. These tables, both hand-painted and printed, serve as not just aesthetic additions but practical companions for modern living.
“I had a 500m2 salon with 3 large seating areas, and the coffee tables were large and relatively far from the sofa… I started with an arm table and then thought of creating a ‘slide’ table or C table, now called J table.”
From hand-painted luxury bags to bespoke J Tables, Janan reveals her collaborative process with clients. Personalization is key, whether it is helping clients choose themes or characters that resonate with them or ensuring bespoke tables complement and elevate living spaces.
Janan Studio Home marks her latest venture, introducing the J Tables that redefine contemporary homeware. The C-shape silhouette, inspired by Janan’s own lifestyle needs, reflects a marriage of functionality and artistic flair. The tables, both hand-painted and printed on vegan PU leather, bring sustainability and durability into the realm of functional art.
“I have created 2 lines; I started with the hand-painted… my other line is limited edition prints of my design, more affordable and super fun.”
With an intricate process of printing on leather, Janan emphasizes the meticulous art involved. Starting with selecting high-quality vegan PU leather, the material is prepared to offer a smooth canvas. The designs, inspired by various sources, undergo a hand-painting process, creating a unique texture and depth that defines each bespoke J Table. With an eye on quality, the J Tables undergo a careful stitching process along the edges, ensuring longevity and durability. While these tables are designed for indoor use, Janan hints at future projects that may explore the realm of outdoor luxury.
“The tables are stitched on the edges in an old-fashioned way, superior quality, and print… I’m all about recycling, and the vegan leather also isn’t porous, ideal for table tops as it doesn’t stain.”
As Janan Shihadeh continues to redefine the landscape of bespoke luxury artistry, her journey stands as an ode to individuality, sustainability, and the enduring power of art to narrate stories and convey messages. With Janan Studio Home, she invites us to infuse our living spaces with whimsy, functionality, and the unmistakable touch of bespoke luxury.
