About the Artist

Marina Ashraf Tharwat is a multidisciplinary, concept-driven designer and researcher holding a B.A. in Business and Visual Arts (AUC ’11) and a Master’s Degree in Educational Art and Sustainability (AUC/UCLA ’17). Her practice centers on educational art and sustainability, focusing on the intersections of art and design and their role and impact on society, with particular emphasis on the Egyptian context.Rather than approaching art as an end in itself, Marina views it as a powerful medium of communication and a catalyst for understanding the surrounding world while shaping new perspectives. Drawing on conceptual art, visual problem-solving, and product design, her work challenges conventional aesthetics while embedding critical and cultural contexts.With professional experience as an art director, lead designer, and illustrator across diverse fields—including advertising, book cover design, jewelry design, and illustration—Marina has developed strong research, cognitive, and creative skills. These enable her to explore the evolving role of visual arts in reflecting cultural moments and shaping social dialogue. With a special interest in popular culture and pop art, she creates work that questions traditional visual narratives while engaging with critical and cultural depth to spark dialogue.