A B O U T   H A L L A   A Y L A Halla Ayla is an Iraqi born artist currently living in the Francisco Bay Area. Before her move to the US, Ms Ayla lived between Iraq, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia after which she lived in Europe for 15 years. Halla has been a photographer for over 20 years and began painting in her early thirties. She combines photography with painting and collage to create unique mixed media painted photographs from her journeys to the Middle East. The Magic of Morocco is the first in a series of exhibits that focus on the Arab world and aim to reveal the unique beauty, vibrancy and richness of the Arab culture. The second in the series, The Arab World Unveiled, is an exhbition on Egypt: Past and Present called The Mysteries of Egypt. The most recent works are entitled Everyday Enchantment and focus on the Levant: Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. By presenting an alternative perspective and visual of the Arab world she hopes to alter errant perceptions and instead create bridges of empathy and understanding between the two cultures: East and West. She has been invited to speak to a variety of audiences about the Arab world, deflecting the damaging stereotypes that prevail about the region. She gave the keynote address at a Red Cross Annual Meeting where she spoke about the historic legacy of the Arabs and its impact on today's world. Ms. Ayla has appeared on national and local radio and television such as ABC's "Good Morning America" as a champion for Arab art culture and humanity.

I N   H E R   O W N   W O R D S As a child growing up in Baghdad, Beirut and then later Riyadh, I was always enchanted by the local landscape dotted with dozens of ornate dome-shaped mosques and minarets that shone and glimmered from near and far. Mystical doorways leading to magical courtyards down hidden alleyways were so alluring to me. A visit to the myriads of markets / souks with their enticing sounds, sights and colors so unique to the region, was very much part of growing up in the Arab world for me. Returning to the Middle East after an 18 year absence, sparked a deep desire to share its unique beauty and many treasures with my fellow Americans and westerners, as well as with the many Arabs living around the world. This desire became an imperative after the tragic events of 911. Art in its many forms is a passion I have pursued with great fervor for most of my life. I have been an avid photographer for over 20 years. My first art pieces were simple drawings in felt tip pens which later led to commissions for the covers of music CDs in the US and Europe, and solo and group exhibitions around the world. 'The Magic of Morocco', 'The Mysteries of Egypt' and ‘Everyday Enchantment‘ which you will find displayed here, are part of a 7 part series of exhibits from “The Arab World Unveiled Series” which are a series of worldwide exhibitions, slide shows and talks on the Arab world. Each of the 7 parts reveal a particular region within the 22 Arab countries. Next shows will be on the Gulf Region and Oman and Yemen. My most current exhibit: 'Everyday Enchantment', comes from my many visits to the Levant, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon where I grew up. Highlighted are Petra, Damascus and Aleppo. My aim is to change people's perception of the Arab world by revealing this region's unique flavor, as well as the richness and vibrancy of its culture and the complexity of its many peoples. It is my hope, as a carrier of these images from East to West, that they act as beacons, illuminating these ancient lands and their significant cultural heritage, and offer people the chance to replace their fears and doubts about the Arab world with a sense of curiousity, wander and enchantment. ----Halla Ayla.