NEW YORK — Iraqi painter Ahmed Alsoudani’s experience is unique. When he came to the United States in 2000, he had no money and was not fluent in English. But, after a few years, he obtained a master's degree at Yale University and became a world-renowned artist. His paintings have sold for more than $1 million and are now displayed at the Phoenix Art Museum in Arizona, Columbus Museum of Art in Ohio, Portland Museum of Art and Pinault Foundation in Italy. Below is Al-Monitor's interview with Alsoudani on the sidelines of his exhibition at the Gladstone Gallery.
Al-Monitor: What elements influenced your artistic experience the most: talent, culture or academic study?