ARTIST STATEMENT

My art explores personal and collective struggles, focusing on war, violence, women's rights, and environmental threats. I approach these themes through a feminist and feminine perspective, confronting fear, sadness, and loneliness while seeking liberation from them. The grim reaper appears in my work as a symbol of death but also as a reminder of those affected by conflict and oppression, especially women.

I was raised by people who grew up in the desert, where survival is shaped by harsh conditions and an ever-present awareness of life’s fragility. Their stories and experiences instilled in me a deep understanding of war, displacement, and mortality. These influences shape my work on bodily autonomy, loss, and forgotten histories. I highlight the ongoing fight for women’s rights, using sources like Planned Parenthood and firsthand stories to capture these struggles.

My perspective on war is personal and fragmented. I rely on family stories, memories, and research, especially about Assyrian women, whose experiences are often erased from history. By piecing together these overlooked narratives, I create a broader, more meaningful conversation about the lasting impact of war.

At its core, my work connects personal and shared histories. I aim to create art that is both intimate and universal, inviting viewers to reflect on the forces shaping our world and the need to challenge fear and oppression.

Image: Holly Hocks In The Desert, Oil on canvas, 2023