I am honored that the Hafathah Collective has included my painting, Caesar, in its collection and featured it in its “Tuesday Talk with an Artist” series. I am grateful for the opportunity to share the story behind this work and the experiences that inspired it.
Caesar emerged from my effort to bear witness through art to the suffering endured inside Syria’s prisons. As I listened to survivors’ testimonies, I felt compelled to sketch and paint their stories, not only to process what I had heard, but also to honor those who endured unimaginable hardship and to preserve their memories through visual art. My hope is that this work encourages reflection, fosters empathy, and reminds us of the enduring importance of truth, justice, and human dignity.
I am an artist and art educator based in Illinois. Raised in Glen Ellyn, I earned my Bachelor of Arts from Augustana College, my art education teaching certificate from Western Illinois University, and a Master’s degree in Art from Eastern Illinois University. Throughout my career, I have believed that art has the power to preserve memory, spark meaningful dialogue, and bear witness to history.
I extend my sincere thanks to the Hafathah Collective for supporting this work and for helping bring the story of Caesar to a broader audience.
