HALA KUSIAK®

ARTIST BIO

Hala Kusiak® is a pioneering artist born in Baghdad whose creative journey has been profoundly shaped by the tension between restriction and freedom. Raised in an environment where artistic expression was carefully monitored, she was prohibited from exploring themes such as sensuality, sexuality, and the human nude. These constraints silenced key aspects of her authentic artistic voice and delayed the full realization of her creative potential, compelling her to work within imposed boundaries that conflicted with her inner truth.

Driven by a deep need for honesty and self-expression, Hala made a life-defining decision to relocate to the United States. This move marked a pivotal turning point both personally and artistically. In the U.S., she encountered a cultural environment that not only allowed but actively encouraged artistic freedom. Released from restrictive norms, she began to experiment boldly with new visual languages, engaging openly with themes that had once been forbidden. This creative liberation reignited her passion for art and gave her full autonomy over her practice.

Hala’s American body of work powerfully reflects her journey toward self-discovery and empowerment. Her art communicates a resonant narrative of feminine freedom in creation, striking a chord with audiences who understand the struggle for voice, visibility, and authenticity. The freedom she found on canvas extended beyond her studio, influencing how she dresses, speaks, and lives—unapologetically embracing her identity and presence in the world.

Central to Hala’s artistic philosophy is compassion for the self and a steadfast commitment to authenticity. She believes in living fully, honoring one’s truth, and expressing it without fear or restraint. Her story transcends individual experience, standing as a universal testament to the human desire for self-expression and to art’s transformative power in revealing one’s truest self. As she states, she paints life as she perceives it.


ARTIST STATEMENT

I am an artist with a bold and innovative vision, driven by a desire to enrich communities across time and generations. My work invites viewers to discover their own creative processes while exploring higher states of emotional and psychological well-being. Rooted in constructive and functional theory, my art captures moments of life and lived experience through multiple perspectives. Timeless in its intent, my practice seeks to awaken emotion and offer the freedom to perceive life through a renewed lens—bridging time and space. Every corner of my work holds a story, open to interpretation and personal discovery. I am known for blending distinctive, vibrant colors that convey intensity with harmony; this balance is the essence of my artistic DNA.