Sara Von Kienegger
Sara Von Kienegger (born June 2, 1990), Also known as Sara Jasmin Semlitsch, is an Austrian born artist, Photographer, Painter and Designer living in New York City. She has left her mark on the art world from Austria, to America and the Middle East. Moving to Dubai in 2010, Sara single handedly oversaw the art direction of publications such as FACES of the Middle East and Women of the UAE – making her one of the youngest art Directors in the MENA region .
Early life
Her talent was apparent at an early age: HTL Ortwein awarded her numerous accolades including two coveted graphic design awards and her first fashion collection was presented at age 16. By the age of 19, Sara’s paintings were exhibited in 19 countries. Gertrude Von Kienegger, Sara’s grandmother, instilled a work ethic in Sara which molded her, painting with her since she was 2 years old and telling her through her good deeds and art she could be an example for generations to come. By the time she was 10, she won the Eduscho Award. Her grandmother was avant garde in many ways, including fighting the [...] by joining the underground – a very dangerous job for a woman in her position. Sara changed her last name to match that of her grandmother. Sara plans to continue her own work in her family’s spirit in New York City.
Career
During her time as an Art Director in the Middle East, Sara developed the branding and corporate identities of leading companies. Her creative flair and unique design techniques – using traditional and digital media, unveils her trademark style, which is identifiable in all of her works. A former understudy of Khalifa El Shimy, a well-known Egyptian artist and calligrapher, Sara’s Arabic art works continue to be widely accepted and coveted throughout Europe and the middle east. Her photographic exhibit of War Shots in Syria, around which Edward Bass has centered a documentary. She was keen to participate in the Faces of the Middle East exhibition, as the photographs offered a different perspective of Arab culture than what she was normally accustomed to in Western culture and media. Through her art she aims to inspire people from different cultures like the Middle East and the West to understand each other especially women and young people who are just beginning their professional lives with the aim of motivating them to pursue their dreams.
Exhibitions
Victims Of War
- Dubai: June 2013
- Qatar: July 2013
- New York: September 2013
Faces of the Middle East
- Dubai: May 2011
- Abu Dhabi: May 2011
Awards
- Eduscho awards
- Austrian Government Ecology Award