Artist Statement: I can describe my work as vertigo with music; most of the time confusing. I find myself wondering, questioning, and analysing why I feel such sorrow and fear. In my work I try to find the answer, I look for the beauty in my faith and this belief is reflected in my work. When I am painting I am distracted from the sorrow of war in my homeland, the fear of uncertainty for the future, as well as the daily conflict and horror that my people are suffering.
I came to Australia from Baghdad, North Iraq, via Jordan and Iran. Iran was a harsh religious place with compulsory rules. I then came to a continent of peace and freedom to begin a new life within a new culture. I miss my caring family and friends and the sacred Holy Shrines, the things that were important to me in Baghdad. I will continue to study and to teach, to paint and to exhibit, to reflect on the ancient heritage of my homeland to treasure the beautiful memories. At the same time I value the peace and freedom that my new culture offers to my own family. I think this cultural turmoil is evident in my work, but my faith never weakens:
