Art by Samira Zaarour - Tuned to The Radar

About this piece:

Acrylic, charcoal on canvas, unframed | 150cm x 110cm

This piece was created as part of my ongoing community art series, in collaboration with Radar Sounds to celebrate their 4-year anniversary. It was the third in the series, and as always, what makes these works special is the people behind them.

When leading these projects, most people aren’t rushing to pick up a brush. It usually begins with me gently encouraging a few brave souls to get involved. There’s a quiet shyness in the air at first, but as the music settles in and the environment starts to feel familiar, more and more people begin to approach the canvas, ready to leave their mark.

I set one rule: one go only. Whether it’s a stroke or splatter of paint, it has to be completed in a single line. Naturally, it’s a rule that’s often broken (because really, who likes rules anyway?), but that’s part of the charm.

What I love most about this series is the energy behind every mark. Each contribution, no matter how small, carries the story of the person who made it. It's community in its truest form: raw, imperfect, layered with meaning.

I took the canvas back to my studio to finish it using the same rule I gave everyone else. One line. I didn’t lift my white charcoal until my final stroke was done.

The bold colours orange, red, and blue, reflect Radar’s brand, but also the energy they’ve built over four years: a space where people come together to dance, eat, connect, and celebrate culture. This piece is a tribute to that, a shared creation from a community that knows how to show up.

About the artist: 

Hi, I’m Samira Zaarour, an Australian artist based in Sydney. Art has always been my language for making sense of the world — a way to explore connection, memory, and the beauty in everyday moments. Inspired by nature’s vibrant colours, the rhythm of the ocean, and the stories shared with loved ones, I create works that evoke emotion and invite reflection.

Sustainability is at the heart of my practice. I work primarily with recycled and repurposed materials, transforming discarded items into meaningful pieces of art. For me, this process is about more than reuse, it’s about honouring the environment and reimagining what we so often overlook. Through sustainable methods, I aim to create a dialogue about our shared responsibility to the planet.

Beyond the studio, I’m passionate about community art. I regularly lead collaborative projects that bring people together through creativity. This typically involves a public canvas display that people passing by are able to contribute to. Empowering others to express themselves through my canvas is art in itself. These projects are an extension of my belief that art should be accessible, inclusive, and capable of building community.

My work spans a variety of mediums, each piece blending technique, emotion, and a deep connection to its source of inspiration. Whether you’re a collector, an interior designer, or someone drawn to meaningful, eco-conscious art, my pieces are crafted to bring both warmth and intention to any space.

https://samirazaarour.com/