Hayam Elsayed approaches portraiture as both expression and reflection, using painting to explore the depths of identity, memory, and shared humanity. Each work becomes a bridge between personal experience and collective resonance, inviting viewers to see not only the subject but also themselves within it. Rooted in discipline yet guided by intuition, the practice balances spirituality, emotion, and technique, unfolding as a dialogue with the visible and the unseen.

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How has your upbringing or cultural heritage shaped the themes and techniques you explore in your art today?

Fine art has been my passion since I was young . As I grew up, I realised how beautiful art is. As time passed , I saw a lot of different art pieces and I started to get inspired. I learned more, studying in Florence, I was thrilled by all the art I saw around me. I could feel the painting, the colours, and the strokes of the brush that were clearly seen on the portrait itself. Looking back at my life, before art, I see how my perspective on art has completely changed. In all factors of life, inspiration is a seminal tool for creation and I saw that art is an expression.. an expression of feelings and emotions. The more I expressed myself through my art, the more I realised that a soul gets touched by a painting. If you look closely, you feel so many emotions running through you.

Can you pinpoint a single moment in your life when you realized art was not just a passion but your purpose?

Yes, there was a moment that really shifted my perspective. It wasn’t dramatic, but it was deeply personal. I realized art was more than just a passion when I was working on a piece that reflected a very personal memory, and someone who saw it told me they felt seen and understood through it—even though our stories were different. That moment made me realize that art has the power to connect people on a human level. It wasn’t just about self-expression anymore—it became a responsibility and a purpose. Since then, creating art hasn’t just been something I love to do—it’s something I feel called to do. It gives me a voice, a way to process life, and a bridge to others.

How do you reconcile the tension between raw, innate creativity and the discipline required to master your craft?

For me, creativity is instinctive — it comes from emotion, curiosity, and intuition. But I’ve learned that without discipline, that raw energy can remain unfocused. The discipline of showing up, practicing, studying techniques, and pushing through creative blocks is what gives structure and depth to the work. It allows me to translate that initial spark into something lasting and meaningful. I don’t see creativity and discipline as opposites anymore. I’ve come to see them as partners — one fuels the inspiration, the other gives it form. And when they’re in balance, that’s when the most authentic and powerful work happens. Art is often chosen as a medium for its freedom.

Why do you personally turn to art, rather than another form of expression?

I turn to art because it allows me to express things that words often can’t. It gives me the freedom to communicate emotion, memory, and identity in a way that feels honest and layered. Art lets me explore both the visible and invisible — the personal and the universal — without needing to explain everything. It’s where I feel most connected to myself and to others.

Does spirituality or a connection to something larger than yourself influence your creative process?

Yes, spirituality definitely influences my creative process. When I create, I feel connected to something larger than myself — whether it’s nature, memory, or a deeper energy I can’t always explain. Art becomes a form of reflection and connection for me — almost like a quiet conversation with the unseen.

How does your art engage with or comment on pressing contemporary issues—social, political, or environmental?

While my work focuses on individuals, portraiture naturally engages with broader issues — like identity, representation, and visibility. Who we choose to see and how we see them is deeply connected to social and political narratives. By highlighting real people and their presence, I hope to challenge assumptions, celebrate diversity, and quietly reflect the complexities of the world we’re living in.

What do you think is the most meaningful role an artist plays in society today?

I think one of the most meaningful roles an artist plays today is to help people see — differently, more deeply, or more honestly. Whether through beauty, truth, or discomfort, art has the power to reflect the times we live in, challenge perspectives, and create space for connection and empathy. In a world full of noise, artists can offer stillness, clarity, and meaning.

Do you think art should have a political or ideological agenda?

I don’t think art needs a political agenda, but it often reflects the world around us — sometimes even when we don’t intend it to. As a portrait artist, even choosing who to paint can carry meaning. I focus on creating honest, human-centered work, and if that sparks deeper conversations, I welcome it.

How important is it for viewers to understand the intended message of your work? Does ambiguity add value, or do you seek clarity in your expression?

I think it’s great when viewers connect with the intended message, but it’s not essential. I’m more interested in creating space for personal interpretation. As a portrait artist, I aim for emotional honesty — but I welcome ambiguity. Sometimes what someone feels in a piece is more powerful than what I originally meant. That openness adds depth and invites conversation.

Have you ever felt drawn toward a conventional career path? What made you take the "creative leap" despite the risks?

Yes, I’ve definitely felt the pull of a more conventional path — something more stable or predictable. But no matter what I tried, I always came back to art. It wasn’t just a passion — it felt like a calling I couldn’t ignore. What made me take the leap was the realization that I’d rather face the risks of a creative life than live with the regret of never fully trying. Art gives me purpose, freedom, and a way to connect with others — and that made the risk worth it.

If you could communicate just one core message through your entire body of work, what would it be?

If I could communicate just one core message through my work, it would be this: every person holds depth, dignity, and a story worth seeing. Through portraiture, I aim to honor individuality and remind viewers of our shared humanity.

Are there any upcoming projects or dreams that you’re particularly excited about?

Yes — I’m currently working on a new portrait series titled (Heaven Between Us) This project explores the emotional and spiritual connection between humans and animals — the kind of quiet, wordless bond that feels sacred. It’s a deeply personal project, and I’m excited to see how it unfolds. One of my dreams is to exhibit this work in a space where viewers can feel that same sense of connection and reflection — almost like stepping into a quiet moment of shared presence.

What kind of legacy do you hope to leave in the art world?

I hope to leave a legacy that honors the beauty, complexity, and dignity of human stories — especially those often overlooked. Through portraiture, I want my work to serve as a quiet but lasting reminder that every person matters, and that being seen is powerful. If my art can inspire connection, reflection, or empathy beyond my lifetime, that would mean everything.

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The vision of Hayam Elsayed emphasizes art as a means of connection — between people, between species, and between the tangible and the spiritual. Through portraiture, individuality is honored while humanity is held in common view. What remains is not only the image, but the insistence that every story carries dignity and depth. The legacy is shaped in this reminder: to look closer, to feel more deeply, and to recognize the beauty of being seen.