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irak special

Interview with Despite my natural attraction to the arts, I
chose to pursue academic studies in natural
Loubna Yassen sciences, specialising in biochemistry at

Dutch-Syrian artist Damascus University. To further hone my
artistic skills, I enrolled in the Adham Ismail
Institute of fine arts in Syria. This educational
experience allowed me to delve deeper into
the world of visual expression, providing me
with a solid foundation in artistic techniques.
Subsequently, I decided to explore journalism,
inspired by my father’s career, and took
courses at the Horizon Institute in Riyadh.
This phase of my education equipped me with
the necessary skills to navigate the dynamic
world of journalism.

The diverse educational background, spanning
both the sciences and the arts, reflects my holistic
approach to learning and my desire to integrate
various facets of knowledge into a cohesive
understanding of the world. The unique blend
of influences from my family, academic pursuits,
and artistic endeavours has shaped my abilities
and created a broad perspective.

Given your different activities, do you have one
that is particularly close to your heart?
While I have had the privilege of showcasing my
artistic and literary expressions throughout my You have organized painting exhibits for refugee children. Could you
career, I do find myself more drawn to writing tell us about this project?
than to painting. I find myself able to thoroughly Certainly. Organizing art workshops for refugee children was a project
bring social or political issues to light with that aimed to address the psychological challenges faced by these
my writing. More specifically; I have had four children in the wake of wars and forced migration. The initiative
personal exhibitions and published thirteen was carried out in collaboration with a dedicated group, all sharing
books. I find, when delving into the specifics of a common goal of providing a therapeutic outlet for these children to
my literary contributions, seven of these books heal through artistic expression and envision a brighter future.
stand out as collections of short stories. These
compilations represent a significant portion of The primary objective of the project was to encourage the participating
my creative output, emphasising my love and children to channel their emotions, hopes, and dreams onto canvases.
She is a Dutch-Syrian artist who wears many in my case, for I was raised in a household passion for short-storytelling. This psychologically gives them room to express and recover and
different hats. Recently, she was the co-organiser where creativity and intellectual pursuits were provides a good outlet for expression. The act of visualising their
of an international conference on intellectual valued. My father’s role as a prominent writer One notable recognition that holds a special aspirations and future through art served as a form of psychological
property in Baghdad, where she also did a and journalist, as well as a notable political place in my heart is winning the first prize for recovery, fostering their sense of empowerment and resilience.
presentation of her latest book. She is a nice and figure, and my mother’s passion for drawing, migrant literature in the Netherlands with one
friendly person who took of her precious time to laid the foundation for my own journey. From of my short stories. This accolade serves as a The project then took form in two exhibitions hosted in different
answer all our numerous questions. The floor is an early age, I found myself attracted to both poignant affirmation that short stories are not galleries within the city, showcasing the artwork created by these
yours Ms Loubna, … writing and drawing. The role models at home only a substantial part of my body of work but children. In addition to the exhibitions, the project extended its reach
encouraged the development of these talents, also hold a particular significance for me. The by involving the children in an annual caravan colouring contest in
You are a woman of many talents: journalist, and my childhood writings even found outlets acknowledgment from the literary community Groningen. This not only added a festive and celebratory element to
artist, and writer. Could you tell us a little about in children’s magazines and school publications. in the Netherlands underscores the emotional the initiative but also allowed the children to connect with a broader
your background? This early success fueled my passion for depth and cultural resonance embedded in my audience, raising awareness within this audience and further integrating
The influence of family on my talents is evident storytelling and artistic expression. short stories. them into their new community.

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