'Girls have a broader imagination'
Face painting brings joy to Baghdad’s Zayouna neighborhood
BAGHDAD – In a small booth in Zayouna neighborhood’s amusement park in Baghdad, the atmosphere buzzes with joy and anticipation. The walls are adorned with various face painting designs, and children enter one by one or in groups with their parents to get their faces painted. Little kids roam around the room, mesmerized by the wall paintings, vibrant colors, and Ahmed’s meticulous brush strokes.
For years, Ahmed Al-Rassam, a young artist, has been painting children’s faces with famous cartoon and movie characters, a profession he considers closer to cinematic makeup than traditional drawing. He notes a distinct difference between painting the faces of boys and girls.
“Boys usually request specific and repetitive characters like Spider-Man and Batman,” he explains. “But girls have a broader imagination. They ask for butterflies, bees, cats, Disney princesses, or even unique birds and colorful designs that I would never have thought of myself.”
This creative challenge makes painting girls’ faces more enjoyable for Ahmed. He finds it more rewarding to listen to their imaginative ideas and suggestions. “Drawing on girls’ faces allows for more creativity and the use of colors,” he says, “while boys’ preferences often limit the artistic expression to familiar patterns.”
Despite the enjoyment he gets from his work, Ahmed views it as a simple means of earning a living while he is still single. “It wouldn’t be sufficient if I had a family to support,” he added.
For now Ahmed plans to continue his work, as his talent and passion bring joy to countless children in Baghdad, making him a beloved figure in the Zayouna amusement park.
Baghdad cultural center launches free children's arts program
Basra: Visual artist opens gallery to foster young talents
