DFA in Conversation with Rime Sbai
Graphics & Article by Rania Abdalla
Photos by Rime Sbai



From the vibrant streets of Morocco to the colorful world of art, Rime Sbai's journey has been nothing short of inspirational. Growing up in a family of artists, she was exposed to the world of creativity at a young age. Her father, an architect, would paint in front of her, sparking her curiosity and fascination for art. With regular visits to museums and art classes, Rime was able to nurture her skills and turn her passion into a lifelong pursuit.

However, her path to becoming a full-time artist was not a linear one. Like many, she was conditioned by society to pursue a 9-5 job, leading her to attend an American university and study art as a minor. Later, she even pursued a master's degree in entrepreneurship and worked in corporate consulting. But deep down, her soul yearned for something more, something that would allow her to express herself and connect with her inner child.

It wasn't until the pandemic hit that Rime decided to take a leap of faith and share her artwork with the world. Starting with simple steps on Instagram, she gained a following with her unique one-of-a-kind denim jackets adorned with her signature art pieces and prints. And as she spent more time with her art during the lockdown, her inner voice grew stronger, urging her to expand her paintings to other mediums.



Collaborating with artists and designers, Rime's art caught the attention of big brands like Gap, leading her to showcase her work on various products. Her love for colors and intuition sets her apart as an artist, creating freestyle pieces with subtle messages. Inspired by her time in Barcelona, where she was exposed to street art and graffiti, Rime has made it her unique style to mix colors together, bringing a fun and energetic energy to her work.

Through hard work, determination, and unwavering passion, Rime Sbai has proven that following one's heart and taking risks can lead to greatness.

Rime Sbai's Artistic Tribute to Moroccan Heritage: Sound of Colors



The Sound of Colors collection by Rime not just a beautiful display of art, but also a powerful ode to her Moroccan roots and heritage. After spending a decade living abroad, Rime found solace in her art and paintings, which allowed her to reconnect with her culture and traditions. Inspired by music and colors, Rime’s collection aims to create an auditory and visual experience for its viewers.


"I hear music and I see colors. Those colors speak to me. Those colors talk to me because the painting symbolizes the Moroccan musical heritage, That is why I wanted people to connect with Gnawa music through colors." - Rime Sbai.

Through her paintings, she hopes to evoke similar emotions in her audience and encourage them to connect with their own inner world of colors.

During the pandemic, Rime was fortunate enough to revisit her Moroccan roots and discover the richness of her culture. "We have beautiful traditional dresses, delicious and unique food, and we are so lucky to have a strong and heavy culture and traditions," says Rime. Her Sound of Colors collection is a celebration of this unique culture, featuring elements such as Moroccan tea glasses, gnawa, and mosaic.


One of her biggest inspirations for this collection was the singer Manal, and her music video for the song "Neya". "I loved how all the women were surrounding the singer while she was sitting in the center," says Rime. This inspired her to create an art collection that showcases the beauty of Moroccan dress, musical instruments such as the oud, and the lively energy of Moroccan music.

The Sound of Colors collection is not just a reflection of Rime’s artistic talent, but also a tribute to her Moroccan heritage and culture. It is a true testament to the power of art and its ability to connect people across different backgrounds and cultures.


Eyes: The Gateway to One’s Soul



Peering into the soul through her art, Rime's love for painting faces and eyes is palpable. Her passion lies in capturing the essence of a person through the intricacies of the face, with eyes being the gateway to the soul. As she delicately layers her brushstrokes, she seeks to communicate the emotions, thoughts, and stories of her subjects through their eyes, inviting the viewer to peer into their innermost being. For Rime, it is not just about creating a beautiful image, but a reflection of the human experience that we all share.

A Subtle Elegance: Rime Sbai's Vintage Kaftan Transformed with Modern Art




A marriage of traditional Moroccan culture and modern art, the kaftan has been given a fresh new twist by Rime. With her signature artwork gracing the fabric of a vintage kaftan, she has created a stunning one-of-a-kind piece that celebrates the beauty and intricacy of Moroccan fashion.

Inspired by her mother's love for creating Moroccan dresses and kaftans, Rime embarked on a creative journey to combine the traditional with the contemporary. Spending quality time with her mother in the process, they both worked on this unique kaftan together, each contributing their own creative flair.

With her eye for detail and passion for modern art, Rime transformed the vintage kaftan into a canvas, using it to display her signature artwork in a way that is both unique and true to its traditional roots. The end result is a beautiful and striking piece that pays homage to the beauty and richness of Moroccan culture.

In a world where fashion is constantly evolving, Rime’s kaftan stands out as a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional fashion, combined with the creativity and innovation of modern art. A true masterpiece, it is a must-have for any fashion-forward individual who wants to make a statement and celebrate the beauty of Moroccan culture.


Unveiling the Soul: The Artistic Odyssey of Introspection and Expression




From the very beginning, Rime's art has been about communication, a way to express her thoughts and feelings through the medium of paint. But as her journey has progressed, she has found that it serves a much deeper purpose - a way to disconnect from the world and enter into her own artistic bubble. When she paints on pottery, she enters a world of intuition and reflection, where her soul and mood are translated onto the canvas without any preconceived notions or plans. It's a raw and honest expression of her innermost self, a creative outlet that allows her to explore and discover new forms of artistic expression. With every brushstroke, Rime's journey through the world of art continues to evolve, as she seeks out new ways to connect with her audience and the world around her.

Her Advice to Aspiring Artists


Rime's words of wisdom for young artists are simple yet profound. “Don't wait for perfection, start showcasing your work and take baby steps towards success,” she says. As a former shy artist herself, she knows firsthand that shyness can hinder progress and creative growth. Instead, Rime advises artists to take small steps towards talking about their work and expanding their brand.


However, Rime also recognizes the need for strong mentorship programs in the art world. Access to resources and guidance can make all the difference for budding artists who may not have a business background or plan to execute and build their art brands. Rime counts herself lucky to have had those resources, but she advocates for more support for those who may not be as fortunate.

Don't miss out on the latest from Rime Sbai- make sure to follow her on @rime_sbai_art and check out her on her website!