Kurdish Artist Vian Hussein Tells the Stories of Kurdish Women Through Her Art
Kurdish artist Vian Hussein uses traditional patterns as faces in her paintings to spotlight Kurdish women's resilience. Based in London, she exhibits globally and donates half her sales to support displaced families in Afrin, Syria. 'Each artwork tells our collective story,' she says.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdish artist Vian Hussein, originally from Afrin and now living in the United Kingdom after being displaced by war in Syria, is using her distinctive art to illuminate the struggles and strength of Kurdish women. Through her paintings, she brings Kurdish culture and women’s resistance to global audiences—while donating half of her sales revenue to support people in Northern Syria (Western Kurdistan).
Currently based in London, Hussein has turned her talent in portraiture and traditional design into a powerful tool for advocacy, giving voice to women from Western Kurdistan, especially Afrin, who have suffered under conflict and displacement. Her artistic journey, shaped by exile and cultural devotion, is also rooted in her studies in Interior Design.
Art as a voice for Kurdish women
Speaking to Kurdistan24 after exhibiting at the 2025 Kurdish Studies Conference Art Exhibition in London school of economics and political science, Hussein said her mission is to make the voices of Kurdish women heard through her canvases:
“My aim is to introduce the voices of Kurdish women to Europe and the world through exhibitions. I want to talk about the situation of Kurds in Rojava, especially the women of Afrin, and make their stories known everywhere.”
She has so far participated in six exhibitions, presenting paintings that give form to unspoken stories, combining cultural preservation with personal testimony.
Traditional patterns in place of faces
A signature element of Hussein’s work is the use of Kurdish tribal patterns in place of the women’s facial features. These motifs, drawn from ancient Kurdish cultural heritage, are purposefully used to reflect identity and resilience.
“In my paintings, I replace the faces of Kurdish women with patterns, because these are an essential part of our culture,” she explained. “This technique both preserves cultural identity and symbolizes that the story of each Kurdish woman is the story of many.”
Among her subjects are historical female figures such as Hepsa Khan, as well as modern Kurdish women fighters whose portraits convey strength and defiance.
Supporting Western Kurdistan through art
Hussein’s commitment extends beyond artistic expression. She has pledged to donate half of all proceeds from her artwork to support humanitarian needs in Western Kurdistan, particularly for families and internally displaced persons from Afrin.
By merging visual storytelling with material aid, she has established herself not only as an artist but also as an advocate working at the intersection of culture, exile, and solidarity. Through her work, Vian Hussein continues to bridge diasporic experience with the homeland’s enduring struggles.
