We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ali Alassadi. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ali below.
Ali, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
Honestly, I believe that everything happens for a reason and at the right time. But if I could go back, I would have a heart-to-heart with my younger self. I’d tell myself it’s okay to love art and to be artistic—there’s nothing to be ashamed of, even if people around me didn’t value or understand it. Growing up, I often tried to fit in and even denied my love for art because I felt like it wasn’t “important” or that it made me different. But over time, I came to realize that this love for creativity is exactly what makes me unique and sets me apart.
During the 2020 pandemic, I finally returned to art as a way to cope. It was my safe refuge when life got dark. When people began showing interest in my work, even wanting to own what I created, it was a life-changing moment. Selling my first piece made me realize that my art had real value. From then on, I invested in myself, my creative abilities, and quality art materials, putting everything I earned back into my growth as an artist.
So, looking back, I don’t wish I’d started sooner or later; I’m grateful for the journey as it’s unfolded. But I would tell my younger self to embrace what makes me different—because that’s the real gift.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Ali Alassadi, an Iraqi-American artist who creates story-driven, evocative paintings inspired by my Middle Eastern heritage. My work combines elements of traditional miniature art with modern, whimsical twists. Through my art, I explore themes of identity, masculinity, and cultural paradoxes. Each piece invites viewers to step into a world where history meets contemporary life, where figures from the past interact with symbols of today, creating a space for new conversations.
I didn’t start out as an artist; art was a private part of me that I kept to myself for many years. But in 2020, during the pandemic, I rediscovered art as my personal refuge. It became a way to process the world around me and embrace my authentic self. The first time someone bought one of my pieces, I felt a profound shift—it was the validation I needed to fully invest in my creative journey.
My Art and Creative Works:
I create paintings that explore the tension and beauty in cultural contradictions, often featuring unique characters and scenes that challenge stereotypes and celebrate freedom of expression. My work isn’t just about the image; it’s about the story it tells and the emotions it evokes.
In addition to paintings, I also conduct Arabic calligraphy workshops and create educational materials on calligraphy. I recently worked with the nonprofit Iraqi and American Reconciliation Project, where I collaborated with another artist on a piece symbolizing peace. Through these workshops, I hope to inspire others to find meaning and beauty in Arabic script, making it accessible and inspiring to diverse audiences.
What Sets Me Apart:
One thing that sets my work apart is the blend of classical Middle Eastern aesthetics with modern narratives. I’m not just reimagining the past; I’m creating a new narrative that celebrates cultural nuances and identities that often go unseen. My art uses contrasts—light and dark, past and present, tradition and modernity—to explore the complexities of identity in a way that feels both personal and universal.
I’m also proud of the impact my work has had on clients and followers who find a piece of themselves in my art. The most rewarding part of my journey is hearing how my work resonates with people, how it opens them up to a new perspective or validates something in their own lives.
What I Want People to Know:
Ultimately, my work is about connection—between past and present, artist and viewer, culture and identity. For those considering a piece of my art or attending a workshop, I want them to know that every painting and workshop is created with intention and authenticity. My goal is to foster understanding, celebrate diversity, and give people the courage to embrace their own unique stories.
If there’s one thing I want people to take away, it’s this: Art is a space where contradictions can coexist, where every detail has meaning, and where being yourself—fully and unapologetically—is the truest form of expression.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
It’s hard to pick just one story because, looking back, my entire journey has been about resilience. When you truly love something, you keep going no matter what. Art is my passion, my calling, and my heart leads me to it, no matter the obstacles.
Financially, it’s been a challenge, but as long as I make enough to support my creative journey, I’m happy. I’ve created art in cramped spaces, even rented a tiny, unheated garage at a friend’s place. I remember walking through the rain to get there, breathing in the fumes of glue and paint in that cold, cramped space. No one was forcing me to be there; I could have walked away, and at times, it felt like I was losing more than I was gaining. But I kept going, not because I had to, but because I wanted to—because I love art that much.
What drives me is the feeling I get when a piece is finished, when I hang it on the wall, step back, and take in that first full look at what I’ve created. That moment of satisfaction and pride is everything. Sometimes it even brings me to tears. It’s moments like those that make all the struggles worth it.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A major lesson I had to unlearn was the idea that I needed to conform to others’ expectations instead of embracing who I truly am. For years, I was criticized for my nature and self-expression. I tried hard to follow unsolicited advice, genuinely wanting to fit in and meet others’ standards.
As I got older, I started to realize that changing myself to fit others’ ideals was holding me back. Recently, my dad gave me some critiques, and for the first time, I felt no pressure to change. I calmly responded that I didn’t care to change—I was happy with who I am. I shared with him that a peacock is unique because of its unusual feathers and color pattern, and to strip away its feathers just to blend in would be insanity. He was both shocked and impressed, and he didn’t push me any further.
This experience taught me to value my individuality. Letting go of others’ expectations allowed me to follow my own path, and today, I embrace what makes me different. It’s a lesson I carry with pride, knowing that staying true to myself is my greatest strength.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alialassadi.com
- Instagram: ali.alassadi
