Maryam
As a refugee from Iraq, I have found solace and purpose in my art, a medium that allows me not only to express myself but also to give voice to the countless individuals in the Middle East who remain ensnared in turmoil. My creative journey draws deep inspiration from the tapestry of my experiences, culture, religion, and the resilient spirit of my people.
In my role as an oil painter, I explore the delicate boundary between surrealism and pop art. My chosen color palette – black, white, and red – is an extension of my identity and essence. Growing up amidst the chaos of the 2003 Iraq war, a time when the world seemed to be painted in black and white, with the red symbolizing the blood of innocents. Each stroke of my brush, and use of color is an exploration of socio-political themes, a reflection of the bloodshed that has touched my family and the countless others who have endured profound loss in times of conflict.
My artistic mission is clear: I strive to create work that is unmistakably mine, setting it apart from a sea of artists. More importantly, to give a voice to those who've been silenced by the ravages of war, the countless souls that never had the chance to pursue their dreams and aspirations. Through my work, I aim to honor their stories and the incredible strength that emerges from the darkest of times