The 12-year-old Saudi-American schoolgirl has captured the attention of the art world with her bright and whimsical creations—starting right here in Gstaad.

First Exhibition a Big Hit

The Alpina Gstaad hosted Juffali’s first exhibition in February of this year, where understated luxury set a fine backdrop for her colourful paintings to come alive. For these unique pieces, Juffali worked liberally with glitter paints, which make collages with real flowers and leaves sparkle--proving she’s still a kid at heart.

Priced at between 350 and 600 francs each, the little masterpieces sold out quickly. With maturity beyond her years, Juffali is grateful for her support network and the chance to pursue her artistic passion freely, but very aware that other children aren’t as fortunate. Donating all profits to the charity Innocents en Danger, Juffali reminds us that the greatest gift is helping others.

“I’m so lucky to have my family’s support,” says Juffali, “I’d like the money raised to help kids who aren’t so lucky pursue their dreams, too.”

Juffali’s Short Road to Success

Juffali takes her creative work, what she calls her ‘mission’, very seriously. She started to draw and paint at the age of three, stunning her teachers with artwork that could have been mistaken for a much older child. They did not need to encourage her, as Juffali was already determined to pursue her career as a YBA (Young British Artist).

The daughter of Saudi businessman Walid Juffali and American/Canadian supermodel Christina Estrada, Sirina Juffali lives in London, where she attends an international school. Mom Christina has cheered Jufffali from the start, helping to organize exhibitions and watch her develop into the talented artist she is today.

"The beauty of my mother was the first thing that I painted,” smiles Juffali, “She has been my muse, my supporter, my promoter.”

The determination of young artist Sirina Juffali proves Oscar Wilde wrong: Youth is not wasted on the young. Not even yet a teenager, Juffali has clear ideas about where she’s headed next: Art Basel. When asked which artist she’d like most to resemble, she sweetly replies, "I only want to be myself".  With talent like this, it’s the only answer she needs.