THE ARTIST

Ali Alassadi is a self-taught Iraqi American multidisciplinary artist based in Seattle, whose work seamlessly fuses traditional Arabic calligraphy with contemporary expression. Drawing inspiration from Middle Eastern miniature art, Ali's creations challenge conventional norms and celebrate cultural heritage in a fresh, innovative manner.

Ali's artistic journey began at a young age, exploring watercolors at the tender age of five and dedicating his free moments in Iraq to sketching animals and landscapes, laying the foundation for his lifelong passion. At 24, Ali embarked on a transformative journey, leaving Iraq for the United States and settling in Phoenix, AZ, for the subsequent seven years. Reflecting on this bold move, Ali describes it as "both one of the most daunting challenges I've faced and simultaneously the most incredible adventure of my life."

While navigating diverse professional roles, including a stint as a lab assistant in the architect department at Phoenix College and later as a radio frequency engineer, Ali continued to nurture his passion for painting amidst a hectic schedule.

In August 2017, Ali's artistic path led him to Seattle, Washington, a city that instantly captured his heart. Enthralled by Seattle's natural beauty and inspired by its vibrant artistic community, Ali rekindled his love for art, his first and enduring passion. Amid the challenges of 2020, Ali turned to art as a coping mechanism, teaching himself Arabic calligraphy and drawing inspiration from the legendary Iraqi calligrapher, Wissam Shaukat. His exploration of various scripts culminated in the creation of his inaugural painting in 2020, promptly selling after sharing it on social media.

Reflecting on this milestone, Ali shares, "Selling my first piece was one of the most empowering moments I’ve ever experienced, confirming that producing art was my gift."

Presently, Ali operates his own art studio in East Lake, where he crafts large-scale paintings and custom artwork. In this creative haven, he perpetually experiments with and incorporates new techniques, showcasing his dedication to artistic evolution.