Maria Darwish is Painting the Town Whimsical

You might recognise some of her lively murals from your favourite morning coffee spot, like the one playfully portraying the Alexandrian skyline at Costa Coffee in San Stefano, or the vibrant wall art at Julie’s Restaurant in Korba capturing a joyful scene of women socialising. That splash of colour brightening the city is the signature of Maria Darwish.

With a background in architecture and interior design, Darwish splits her creative energy between designing spaces and transforming them into works of art. “I never took art classes, I didn’t need to. My entire family are artists, it’s in my blood. I just taught myself along the way,” Maria Darwish, founder of Darwisha Studio, tells CairoScene.

Raised in a household buzzing with creativity and colour, Darwish always knew she’d find her way to art, it just so happened to come through the mother of all mediums: architecture. She works full-time as an interior designer while also illustrating murals, bespoke wedding invitations and a wide range of hand-drawn artworks through her studio. “Interior design shaped how I see walls I understand what a space needs, and I know how to balance my art within that," Darwish says. "That’s why I love working with other designers - I speak their language."

While many artists approach their work philosophically, Darwish sees art as entirely open to interpretation. She embraces an intuitive process, allowing each viewer to engage with her work in their own way.

Each piece responds to its context, that playful, free-spirited touch has become a signature that makes her work instantly recognisable. “I can’t pin down a specific visual language, it always depends on the space and the client, but I love bold lines and unexpected palettes that are not bound by realism. I’d say whimsical is my word. It’s more fun that way,” she explains.

It’s no surprise then that brands looking to soften their edge or infuse their identity with personality are often drawn to Darwisha’s brush. One of her largest collaborations was with Costa Coffee, where she painted murals across several branches and designed their branded packaging, becoming part of the brand’s playful rebrand. “It was perfect timing. They wanted to feel lighter and more fun, and that was right up my alley,” she recalls. “But I always work with the brand’s DNA too. It’s a two-way thing — I bring my energy in, and they shape how it comes out.”

Though her work is lively, her process is meticulous. “Everything is drawn digitally first, composition, colours, all of it," Darwish explains. "Clients need to see exactly what they’re getting. No surprises. Still, the execution becomes a performance of sorts, especially in public spaces where I get to interact with people and children.”

Darwish’s vision stretches beyond canvas and walls. “I would love to do a full building exterior, as exhausting as it would be, I would love the impact that would have.” Beyond murals, Maria has dipped her brush into just about everything: paper bags, coffee cups, wedding invitations, even sculptures. “I have moodboards ready for painting furniture, I’ll probably start with my own home.”

Still, one of her favourite projects is far more accessible: digital art prints. “I want people to own original art that doesn’t break the bank. These prints are still personal, they’re painted by a local artist and they make art part of everyday life.” For Darwish, regardless of the medium, her work is a way to preserve local identity while ensuring it remains within everyone’s reach.