Meet Elaf Hussein

We were lucky to catch up with Elaf Hussein recently and have shared our conversation below.

Elaf, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Growing up as a 1st generation Iraqi living in America I always found myself feeling like I didn’t have a sense of belonging. I was not Arab enough for my own family yet I wasn’t American enough for America. I always felt guilty of not honoring and keeping my roots despite my parents and family constantly reminding me that I am Iraqi and that cannot be taken away from me. When I tell people I am Iraqi I feel as though I am reduced to a mere symbol of war and terrorism. I carry the pain of political turmoil happening to my people in the Middle East while living in the West where my grief is often ignored and dismissed. Losing family to these political turmoils and watching other countries fall into the same situations made me finally learn how to use my voice through my work.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My work speaks about the complexities of the Middle East through the lens of my dual identity as an Iraqi born in the United States. This perspective allows me to connect with my homeland while grappling with the experience of growing up in America. In my silkscreen series, I combine comic book-style text with silkscreened photographs of war-torn Iraq to speak to a Western audience. I want to challenge the oversimplified stereotypes often perpetuated by American media that reduce Iraqis and other countries in the middle east to symbols of terrorism and destruction. Through this, I offer a more nuanced understanding of the region.

In my painting series, I tackle global humanitarian issues, emphasizing the emotional and personal impact of these concerns over political agendas. I use metaphorical imagery and colors to convey these themes. Each piece focuses on two key objects or scenes set against solid backgrounds, allowing the visual elements to express the gravity of the subject matter. My work moves beyond the political, inviting viewers to engage with the humanity behind these pressing issues.

I am pleased to announce that my BFA group exhibition, “Metamorphosis” is on view from April 5th to April 25th at “Njcugalleries”. It is open to the public and displays the work of illustrators, graphic designers and painters. I am also showing work at “The Space” in Montclair. A wonderfully curated group exhibition, “Roots of Radiance”. It is open to the public to view until May 4th. There will also be an artist talk April 27 from 2 to 4pm. This show is in partnership with the Farah Foundation (Foundation for Arab American heritage) and is curated to celebrate and highlight Arab heritage month.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I always felt my resistance, decorum, and confidence were what made my journey most impactful. I always think like an artist, humanitarian topics that are often seen as political or controversial are fuel for making my work. Fighting for what’s right in this world is what I think about everyday and incorporating that into my work is what I feel makes what I create all the more important. Building confidence in myself was a learning experience on its own. In my own environment as a 1st gen in my family, being an artist was unheard of, but challenging myself and pushing myself while maintaining that confidence in myself was an even bigger challenge. My advice to those who are still navigating the art world is always keep evolving; you are never done learning new crafts and skills. Whether you are learning from colleagues, friends, family. There is always a skill or craft that will help shape you as an artist as well as a person. Etiquette; it is a lost art nowadays. Having a respectful and kind character really goes a long way. Especially in the art world. Adapting to environments you aren’t used to; More often than not you’ll be in large crowds you aren’t used to or rooms with people who will make you feel different. Start getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I am always looking for opportunities to network and create with other artists. I feel that it is important to be able to work with other artists who share the same goals and visions. I like discussing the ultimate goal and underlying theme first as well as how we will both work and during what times. I have collaborated with other artists before and it will only work if you are both on the same page. If you both have different goals and visions in mind it doesn’t work out and the project falls apart right before your eyes.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photographed headshot by Dee Diaz

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