Bio:

Waleed is a 2015 graduate of the University of Notre Dame Dual Degree program. Waleed graduated with a BS in Computer Engineering, a BA in Studio Art and was selected as a 2015 Reilly Scholar, which is a special honor given to exemplary dual degree students at Notre Dame. Waleed's concentration for his BA was painting. At Notre Dame Waleed received the 2015 Barbara H. Roche Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Painting as well as the Mabel L. Mountain Painting Prize.Waleed is a native Detroiter who is passionate about his city. After graduation Waleed returned to Detroit, which is where he lives and creates. Waleed’s work has been published in the International Review of African American Art, and has been shown at various places including The Saginaw Art Museum, Gallery Guichard in Chicago and Galerie Camille in Detroit.

Artist Statement:

Few things are as compelling as looking at an image of a person and allowing yourself to experience the emotions it conveys. People are my inspiration, and thus my work consists primarily of portraiture. Color, texture, and facial expressions are the tools I use to evoke emotion. My work is meant to draw the viewer in, inviting them to connect simultaneously with the people in the painting as well as their own emotions. 

Through my art, I seek to give a voice to those who are often unheard in society. Whether it’s marginalization and pain experienced by minorities or mental health issues, I seek to bring about healing and spark dialogue through the themes in my work. Though my work focuses on people of color, I believe our shared humanity allows all to understand and connect with it