Kifah Abdulla is an artist, poet, performer and educator. Born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq, he now lives and works in Portland.
Artist Statement
The art that I embody in my work is sometimes complex, it includes many details and is rich in its content. It is a reflection of the world in which I live, or in other words, it’s an image of my interaction with it.
It is easy, simple, and childish where the scribbles other times, in addition to symbols dominate the space. It’s an understandable language.
I find myself influenced by both: my external world, and my inner self.
I try to document what I see, feel, and imagine. Strongly, and honestly this is who I am, and this is my way of expressing myself during my life’s journey.
Writer & Poet
Mountains Without Peaks, a new memoir is about Kifah’s life in Baghdad in the early 1980s, compulsory military service during the Iraq-Iran war, and being captured as a prisoner of war. He has also written a duel-language book of poetry Dead Still Dream ميت مايزال يحلم. View the books here.
Artist & Activist
Performer
Kifah has performed in live poetry readings and talk events.
Photo Peter Gumaskas