Artist Statement

Elaf Hussein’s work delves into the complexities of the Middle East through the lens of her dual identity as an Iraqi born in the United States. This perspective allows her to connect with her homeland while grappling with the experience of growing up in America. In her silkscreen series, she combines comic book-style text with silkscreened photographs of war-torn Iraq to address difficult truths, challenging the oversimplified stereotypes often perpetuated by American media that reduce Iraqis to symbols of terrorism and destruction. Through this, Hussein offers a more nuanced understanding of the region. In her painting series, she tackles global humanitarian issues, emphasizing the emotional and personal impact of these concerns over political agendas. Using metaphorical imagery and colors she mixes herself, each piece focuses on two key objects or scenes set against solid backgrounds, allowing the visual elements to convey the gravity of the subject matter. Hussein’s work moves beyond the political, inviting viewers to engage with the humanity behind these pressing issues.