Check Out Elaf Hussein’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Elaf Hussein.

Hi Elaf, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always known I would become an artist. Even when I was in university struggling to decide what I would major in I knew I could not part ways with art. I think of art as a way of life, it is woven into the fabric of civilization. When I finally decided to major in art I wanted to make art that mattered. When I graduated I knew I would continue to make work that mattered.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My biggest challenges along the way was making sure I was not wasting my time, and making sure I was managing myself properly. As an artist I feel that I am my own manager. I have to plan my next pieces, allocate time to create my pieces, and also at the same time document my work for social media and my website; All while applying for shows and opportunities for myself. That is why I make sure that I am not wasting time on anything that will keep me from my work. When I am painting or planning my next screen print nothing else and nobody else holds priority.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a multidisciplinary artist, I hold both an Associate degree from Hudson County Community College and a Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts from New Jersey City University. In my screen print series, Inflict; I combine comic book-style text and imagery over screen-printed photographs of ISIS-destroyed sites in Mosul—my hometown, which I returned to after 14 years of absence due to conflict and safety issues. Documenting these ruined spaces—once familiar and deeply personal—and compiling over 600 photographs, screen printing them on wood panels and layering them with acrylic marker. I aim to bring visibility to the lasting impacts of war and terrorism.
In my painting series, I engage with global humanitarian issues, shedding light on topics that are often politicized but are fundamentally about human suffering. I use metaphorical imagery to reflect the people affected by these issues, focusing on the emotional and personal impact rather than political agendas. Each piece centers around two key objects or scenes set against solid backgrounds, allowing the visual elements to communicate the weight of the subject matter. Through this approach, I aim to move beyond the political and invite viewers to engage with the humanity behind the issues.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Even as a 1st generation Iraqi kid living in America I was always an artist. I was always drawing on something, scribbling on the walls of my home, drawing little stick figures with funny hats in my textbooks, drawing on the walls even after my parents repainted. I loved art and always found something to look forward to. I often felt I was too Arab for America and at the same time too American for the Middle East. I always felt proud to be Iraqi, and my parents always made sure that I never let anyone disrespect where I came from and who I am. In high school I led multiple mural projects within our school walls for an art club I ran. From there I decided to obtain an Associates degree and my Bachelors degree in art.

Pricing:

• Email for inquiry

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elafhussein.work
• Instagram: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.instagram.com/ella.xxr/%3Fhl%3Den&ved=2ahUKEwju6fi9yZ2OAxVyv4kEHRE-F1QQFnoECCEQAQ&usg=AOvVaw0qyAiixg8sWsxPCMNctBAf
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaf-hussein-1954532a6
• Other: Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Headshot photographed by Dee Diaz