Halla Ayla

Background

Ayla was born Baghdad, Iraq.

Education

University of Paris.

Career

Before moving to the United States in 1991, Ayla lived between Iraq, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, after which she lived in Europe for 15 years. Having taken art courses at the College of Marin in California, Ayla holds more than 30 years experience as a photographer, and began painting in her early thirties, she combines photography with painting and collage to create unique mixed media painted photographs from her journeys to the Middle East. She gave a keynote address at a Red Cross Annual Meeting where she spoke about the historic legacy of the Arabs and its impact on today"s world.

Her work has been exhibited throughout the Arab world, United Kingdom, Europe and the United States.

2005: Louisiana Kasbah, San Francisco, California

2005: Lehrer Gallery, Larkspur, California

2005: Mendocino Gallery, Mendocino, California

2005: The San Anselmo Inn and Gallery, San Anselmo, California

2006: California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, California

2006: San Francisco Arab Cultural Center, San Francisco, California

2006: Le Tire Bouchon Gallery, Virginia, United States

2006: Savannah Studio, London,

2006: Kufa Gallery, London

2006: Aya Gallery, London

2007: Arab Cultural Center of Silicon Valley, Saratoga, California

2007: Pomegranate Gallery, Soho, New York

2007: Cab Calloway School of the Arts, Wilmington, Delaware

2008: Iraqi American Bridge of Hope Exhibition, Wilmington, Delaware.

Achievements

• She achieved Bachelor Business from Sorbonne University in Paris, as well as Master of Arts Marketing & Business from the American College in London and Webster University, Geneva. Ayla has also appeared on national and local radio and television such as American Broadcasting Company"s "Good Morning America" as a champion for Arab art culture and humanity.