12-year-old budding Iraqi painter brings art to Jordan

AMMAN — When 12-year-old Fadi Tobieh was forced to leave his hometown of Mosul after it fell under the control of Daesh, he was extremely devastated to leave behind his most precious belongings — his own artworks. 

Fadi and his family were driven far from their home in northern Iraq last August after the terror group took over the city in June. 

Despite the horrific scenes Fadi witnessed and the displacement he was forced to endure, he is more determined than ever to hone his talent in painting. 

The aspiring artist’s father, Hameed, told The Jordan Times that his son’s passion for painting started at a very young age.

“In 2012, we went to Lebanon and he met with a local artist there who helped him hone his skills.”

At the weekly outdoor marketplace of Souk JARA in Jabal Amman, Fadi sits for hours at a small stall painting Christian icons, which attracts many visitors who are fascinated by his talent. 

“The Lebanese artist who met him was specialised in doing paintings for the church in Lebanon and this inspired him to use Christian iconography. Fadi spent 15 days with him and this helped boost his skills,” Hameed recounted. 

Fadi said he spends most of his days painting.

“I have painted between 40 and 50 pieces.”

When the family arrived in Amman, Fadi found solace in painting, Hameed said.

“Father Khaleel saw him in Amman and told us that we have to hold an exhibition for him and so my son produced 15 paintings for the exhibition. We held the exhibition at a church in Marka during Christmas time,” he added.  

Then the pastor said Fadi has to continue pursuing his art so he kept supporting him financially and morally, according to Hameed, who said a benefactor offered Fadi the stall at Souk JARA for three weeks.  

“People are happy with his work.”

Hameed said he wants to help his son perfect his skill to be able to make a living from his art in the future. 

“This gift must be nurtured. We have to show it to the whole world.”