Of Swiss and Sudanese heritage, Fairouz El Tom grew up in cities across Sudan, India, Nepal, the United States, and Switzerland. This instilled in her a fascination with human and natural diversity, as well as a questioning of identity construction and contemporary value systems.

Working primarily in digital photography and satellite imagery, El Tom adopts a process of layering and merging imagery of the human and natural world. This results in abstract and multi-scalar works that blur boundaries and dissolve notions of separability.

Before turning to art, El Tom worked with the UN and other development and human rights organizations. She holds an MA from Columbia University, and an MFA with distinction from The Glasgow School of Art.

El Tom's work was exhibited at the 13th edition of Bamako Encounters in Mali, Time in Jazz in Sardinia, and in group shows in India, Switzerland and across Glasgow. She has been interviewed by Terralingua and her artwork was featured in Artnet. Her work is held in private collections in Switzerland and South Africa.