Debora Issa

Artist Bio:

Issa is an acrylic artist whose work centers around raising awareness for social issues, with a special focus on human trafficking. Working primarily with acrylic paint and pastels, Isa combines flat surfaces with textured materials like tissue paper to add dimension and depth, creating a more tactile and emotional connection for the viewer. Each piece they create carries beauty, a story, and the emotions associated with that story, allowing viewers to connect deeply with the subject matter.

Drawing inspiration from both Frida Kahlo’s intimate self-portraits and real-life stories of human trafficking survivors, such as Sophie Hayes, Isa's art captures the emotional weight of these women's experiences. In addition to their artistic practice, they are actively involved with the Sophie Hayes Foundation, which empowers women who have faced hardship.

Through their work, Isa seeks to give voice to those who have been silenced, using art to ignite conversations and inspire change. 

Artist Statement:

My art explores the deeply personal and painful reality of human trafficking, particularly the experiences of women who have been trapped in this cruel trade. Using acrylic paint and pastels, I create portraits that not only depict these women but also invite the viewer to experience their emotions—the fear, sorrow, and strength they carry. By adding materials like tissue paper to my canvases, I raise the surfaces of certain elements, emphasizing the realism of the subjects and making their stories more tangible.

Inspired by Frida Kahlo’s raw self-portraits and the powerful real-life accounts of survivors, my work aims to foster empathy and raise awareness, particularly during Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Each piece I create carries beauty, a story, and the emotions tied to that story, drawing viewers into a deeper understanding of the subject’s journey.

I hope my work serves as a platform for empowerment, encouraging women who have faced hardship to feel strong, safe, and heard. Hardship doesn’t define us, and through my art, I strive to give a voice to those who need it most.

For more of my work, please visitisart.lettsart.comor follow me on Instagram at@isart.officials.

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