LUV U ALWAYZ: Isra Hassan's Personal Exploration of Self-Portrayal
Isra Hassan, a Seattle-based artist, unveils her debut collection, "LUV U ALWAYZ"—a deeply personal letter to herself, capturing her journey through love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. Through our conversation, we explore how this collection serves as a profound journey of self-portrayal, revealing her true essence beyond societal stereotypes. This powerful body of work marks a transformative process of reclaiming her identity, celebrating self-expression, and embracing vulnerability as a source of strength.
WURUUD: How would you describe being a creative?
Isra: Creativity, for me, is not just a description; it's an aspect of life. Everything around us is beautiful, and art reflects the beauty of nature and God's work. Capturing the beauty and inspiration I see in the world is so essential to me, and not expressing those feelings on paper feels unnatural. I just want to create as much as I can and let my creativity flow without any restrictions.
Where do you seek inspiration from?
Somalia being the land of art, the land of creatives, the land of poets, truly allowed me to see creativity thriving within my own household. When I told my mom I wanted to be an artist she was so supportive, she created a space where I really believed in myself. Also, living in Seattle, I’ve met the most amazing creatives in my life. I’ve always been at the mid center of art and creativity and that helped me grow more in the field
What inspired your collection, 'LUV U ALWAYZ'?
"LUV U ALWAYZ" was a reflective and healing journey through my past, present, and future self in various relationships, including friendships, platonic bonds, and romantic connections. It served as a personal letter, reminding me that loving fully and wholeheartedly is not only acceptable but necessary. I wouldn’t be where I am today without having the heart that I do and loving the way I do.
The collection started about three years ago, towards the end of 2019. Each time I experienced intense emotions of love, passion, sadness, or heartbreak, I poured those feelings into my paintings and other creative expressions. It became one of the most inspiring and defining moments of my life, a period of self-discovery and healing that led me to seek therapy. "LUV U ALWAYZ" encompassed a bittersweet journey of beautiful and sorrowful experiences.
Who is your work for?
For a long time, I created art for others, Maybe those experiencing heartbreak. But, as of late, my art has become more personal, a medium for expressing myself. Although art used to be detached from my emotions, it’s now become a deeply personal form of expression and therapy.
How does Islam find its way into your creative process?
Islam plays a huge role in my life, and naturally subtly seeps into my paintings. The messages of sabr (patience), shukr (gratitude), and love, which are integral to my faith, show up a lot in my artwork. My art reflects the values I live by, the rules I adhere to, and the revelation that guides me.
When did you realize that art could be a source of peace rather than just a performance?
Art has become a sense of therapy for me, a means of expressing what words might not capture. I've noticed this while working with children, who express themselves profoundly through art. I feel like my inner child, who felt voiceless, now finds therapy and liberation through my adult creative expressions.
My creative energy fluctuates between patience and impatience. When I'm immersed in my art, nothing else bothers me, and patience guides my every move. But, I also draw inspiration from the people and things that surround me. It could be love-driven or patient energy. On the other side, my creativity has been intertwined with so many moments of anger and impatience. Each emotion leaves its mark on my work.
As Isra Hassan continues to navigate her creative journey, "LUV U ALWAYZ" stands as a testament to the power of art in self-discovery and healing. This collection not only captures the complexity of emotions but also redefines what it means to embrace vulnerability and love.
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