We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alex El Dahdah a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alex, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever head any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?
In my experience, I’ve learned that creative impulses come and go—I can’t truly force them. I’ve accepted that inspiration often strikes unexpectedly. Sometimes, I’ll be sitting outside and notice something I see every day, but in that moment, it sparks a new way of thinking. I’ll contemplate its shape, movement, or existence, and that reflection might lead to new creative ideas.
I also tend to start projects without a clear plan, allowing them to evolve organically. When I hit a creative block, I don’t try to force my way through it. Instead, I step away, sometimes for years, and revisit the work when it feels right. A perfect example of this is my project Post-Nations. The idea first sparked in 2021, but I didn’t immediately pursue it. It wasn’t until recently that I returned to it with fresh perspectives, adding various elements that feel more relevant now.
This process of reworking and revisiting extends even to finished projects. My film “Scandal” eventually evolved into “Reflecting on Scandal”, where I re-engaged with the work years later, bringing in new layers of meaning and self-reflection. Some ideas need time to mature, and I’ve found that leaving space for evolution—rather than forcing completion—allows my work to remain authentic. While this approach isn’t always the most efficient for consistency or monetization, it ensures that every piece I create fully reflects my evolving thoughts and experiences.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist with an MFA in Multidisciplinary Art and a BA in Filmmaking. My practice spans filmmaking, video art, graphic prints, and conceptual projects, often exploring themes of nationhood, belonging, family dynamics, and personal emotional reflections. I’m particularly drawn to the disconnections and ironies embedded in societal systems, and my work engages with cultural narratives, abstraction, and the intersections of personal and collective memory.
What excites me most about my work is its ability to bridge disciplines and spark conversations. I approach art as both a form of inquiry and expression, using different media to challenge perspectives on identity, history, and the structures that shape our realities. Whether through a video installation, a conceptual piece, or a designed publication, I strive to create work that encourages critical reflection while remaining deeply personal.
I’ve been fortunate to exhibit my work in cities like New York, Los Angeles, London, and Beirut, gaining recognition for my approach to visual storytelling. Beyond my personal practice, I collaborate across disciplines—working as a production designer for films, performing in dance and theater, directing music videos, and developing visual identities for brands and nonprofits. My design work, from branding to publication layouts, ensures cohesive representation while remaining conceptually strong.
Right now, I’m revisiting and expanding on Post-Nations, a project that first sparked in 2021 but has taken on new dimensions in recent months. It’s exciting to see how time and new perspectives have shaped its evolution. I’m also continuing to work on brand identity projects and cultural collaborations that align with my artistic vision.
For those interested in my work, I always aim to push boundaries and create meaningful dialogue—whether through fine art, design, or interdisciplinary projects. I look forward to sharing more in the future and continuing to explore the ever-evolving intersections of art, culture, and identity.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
First, never miss out on networking opportunities. I don’t typically go to events or stay in touch with people for the sake of networking—I do it because I genuinely enjoy meeting new people, learning about their fields, and exchanging ideas. But in the end, these connections always come in handy when looking for new opportunities. My advice to those starting out is to approach networking organically—build relationships based on mutual curiosity and shared interests rather than seeing it as a transactional necessity.
Second, never stop learning. In my case, I chose not to focus on just one specialization, which can be a personal or strategic decision depending on your career priorities. But regardless of your path, staying open to learning—whether within your field or beyond it—is essential. Industries evolve, and knowledge needs to adapt. For me, this meant expanding into areas like legal matters, translation, and new languages, even though they weren’t originally part of my artistic practice. The more you know, the more adaptable and resourceful you become.
Finally, one of the most important lessons is accepting change—both in perspectives and in yourself. Being open-minded towards others and your own past self is crucial. Growth often comes from revisiting old ideas with a fresh perspective, challenging previously held beliefs, and embracing evolution in thought and practice. Those who rigidly hold on to a singular way of thinking or working often struggle to evolve. My advice is to remain flexible, allow your experiences to shape you, and be willing to redefine what success and fulfillment mean to you over time.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
One of the biggest challenges I currently face is navigating the intersections of my diverse experiences and skills. I’ve pursued art, legal assistance, translation, and other areas that may not seem directly connected, and when looking for opportunities, I try to identify where these intersections can be valuable. However, it can be difficult to position myself in roles that fully encompass my skill set, especially when I might not yet have the formal credentials or extensive experience in specific crossover fields—such as arts legal counseling.
To overcome this, I make a conscious effort to identify the gaps in my knowledge and actively work to fill them. Whether through independent learning, hands-on experience, or structured education, I continuously seek ways to build on my existing expertise. I also embrace adaptability, recognizing that my unconventional path allows me to bring unique perspectives to different fields. While it’s not always easy to carve out a clear professional trajectory when your skills span multiple domains, I see it as an ongoing process of refinement—finding where I can best contribute and how I can keep evolving to meet new opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexeldahdah.myportfolio.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexeldahdah/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alexeldahdah
Image Credits
1- closeup on “what do you remember from the future” (digital inkjet print, 2021)
2- closeup on “terminal x: uncanny encounters” (digital inkjet print, 2022)
3- still from “painting species” (video, 2021)
4- still from “AH” (short film, 2020)
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