Baghdad artist brings face painting joy to children in Anbar’s city of Hit

ANBAR — In Hit Land Park, children line up excitedly to have their faces painted by Raeed Alwan, a Baghdad-born artist who introduced the art form to the city of Hit three years ago.

Alwan, inspired by YouTube videos of international artists, began painting faces during holidays and public gatherings to spread joy among local families.

“I started with a simple idea that became a passion,” he told 964media. “I wanted to bring this art to Hit, where it was missing, and make children happy, especially during holidays and special occasions.”

The children’s reactions, he said, are often emotional. “Sometimes they hug me and thank me.”

Among the most popular requests: “Hello Kitty” for girls and superheroes like Spider-Man, Batman, or even the Joker for boys. Alwan charges 2,000 Iraqi dinars (about $1.40) per face, a price he keeps low to ensure accessibility. “I don’t aim for big profit,” he said. “Unlike major cities where it can cost up to 5,000 dinars.”

In addition to face painting, Alwan also creates murals for homes and government offices and paints landscapes and folkloric scenes.

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