Drawing practice is one area of focus for the Jameel Library – in particular, how drawing informs our understanding of literature and can make legible (and disseminate) theory while providing access across multiple disciplines. The library looks to further unpack the potential and understanding of drawing practice through the lens of ‘drawing as research’, kneading this philosophy into our collection, programming, commissions and Library Circles.

‘Drawing as Comfort’ is a series of exercises developed following an invitation to artist Zara Mahmood, looking into ways through which we can approach reading space.

The exercises in this document have been designed to provide comfort in observing facets of living with an air of discovery, through the act of drawing. 

Draw with whatever you have at home, on whatever you can find and for as long as you wish. 

Click here to download the file.

About Zara Mahmood

Zara Mahmood is a Dubai-based artist. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from the National College of Arts (NCA) in Lahore, where she specialised in Printmaking. After acquiring her undergraduate degree, she pursued a Master’s program in Fine Art at the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), UK, with a focus on Painting.

Her works have been shown in Beirut, Dubai, Sharjah, Karachi, Lahore, Madrid and Philadelphia. She is currently working as an Adjunct Professor in Visual Communication at the American University in Dubai and is a member of Dubai based alternative rock/electronica band ‘Sail Into Night’.