We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laila Abdul-Hadi Jadallah. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laila below.
Laila, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
Optimism for me is rooted in perspective, and that comes from my mother. Knowing that, despite any challenge, regret, or imposter syndrome I have felt – whether personal or professional – that I still come from a place of privilege and opportunity is important. As the daughter of first- and second-generation Palestinian immigrants, I grew up with everything I needed and the support to pursue a career in the arts. Always having a perspective of the multiple choices I am afforded daily is how I operate and overcome challenges, because compared to the real challenges others in the world face, I still have quite a safety net to fall back on. Keeping this in mind is what keeps me optimistic, continuously moves me forward, and guides how I operate in life and in my work.
My optimism also comes from my family, friends, artists, mentors, and even strangers who continuously support, collaborate, and guide me. Paying attention to how what happens in life is connected and pushes one forward is wonderful.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’ve always worked in the arts and culture space in various capacities throughout my career, and I’ve had a wonderful experience working across the non-profit, museum, cultural diplomacy, and public art sectors. My career has been nonlinear, which has resulted in several ups and downs. But in the past couple of years, I have had the opportunity to pursue projects and opportunities that really mean something to me – that is, focusing on highlighting artists of the Arab World / West Asia and North Africa and their diasporas, particularly in Washington, D.C., where I am based, and there is a long and rich history of artistic contribution. What has been the most meaningful, particularly over the past two years, is the sense of community and safety I have felt with these artists, co-curators, and collaborators.
This year in particular was a standout year, where I had the opportunity to write about, curate, or co-curate exhibitions and programs in Washington and Los Angeles on topics including Arab women artists, Arab Pop Art, contemporary photography and collectible design from the region, the contributions of artists with diasporic roots from the region in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, and more. The encouragement from institutions and individuals whom I’ve had the chance to work with or meet this year has been incredibly meaningful. It’s allowed me to do something I’ve always wanted to do: launch a platform, Art West Asia Projects, to pursue collaborations and projects with partners in Washington, D.C. and beyond.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
There are definitely professional decisions in my life that I know I could have made earlier that might have gotten me to where I am now faster, and sometimes I do regret that. Not having the fear to pursue what moves you is one quality that has had the greatest impact. As I’ve matured, I have realized that fear held me back from so much, and now that I am not as fearless, a lot has fallen into place. Saying yes when opportunities arise is another. Every opportunity is a learning lesson, whether that is realizing that it is not the path you want to take or how to better advocate for yourself and your work. Most of the time, saying yes connects you to new people and paths and helps you refine how you operate. Perspective is another, and one that again is always central to how I operate in the world, both personally and professionally. It’s easy to get imposter syndrome or feel jealous of others, as I have, but when you really focus on yourself, it feels like things fall into place more easily. Finally, I don’t think anything is possible without building genuine relationships and friendships.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I have been lucky to have many people help me overcome challenges and build the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge needed to be successful. My parents and siblings were the first, and throughout my life, I have had the pleasure of working with and meeting so many wonderful people, each of whom has contributed something to my journey. I think being open to what others can teach you, whether they are someone you work with or strangers you interact with, whether your experience is positive or negative, they all have something to teach you. Having people who have really supported me and those who have rejected me is equally motivating to me.
On the other hand, I’ve had several mentors with multiple careers, including my own mother, who began her successful career later in life. I look to them when I feel behind in my life or career. They are great reminders that there is time and to take every opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: lailajadallah.com / artwestasiaprojects.com
- Instagram: @lailajadallah @artwestasia
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laila-abdul-hadi-jadallah/
Image Credits
Ethan Hickerson for Friends Artspace
Neil Parekh
Jason Dixon Photography
Margaret Bakke
Sophie Macaluso for Umbrella Art Fair
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
