About the Artist - Noofi
I AM NOT DOWN SYNDROME - I AM NOOFI
Noofi is an Iraqi-American artist, born in Baghdad, Iraq. Now in the U.S., Noofi spends his time drawing and breaking barriers associated with Down Syndrome. Noofi and his family have been pushing back against those barriers since Noofi was born. In Iraq, doctors often tell parents to let their children die if they are born with disabilities. Noofi's parents were no different. Little to no supports are available for families and individuals with disabilities. Even the principal of the public school system in Baghdad told Noofi's parents to take their son home because he would not learn anything. They did take him home and they searched for a private school that would work in collaboration with them while they also pursued homeschooling. Noofi's mother and grandmother taught him academics together, while grandma taught him art. When Noofi was three he made his first drawing. It was a "portrait" of his grandmother. Since then, Noofi hasn't stopped drawing. Noofi loves using Prismacolor Markers, Spectracolor Colored Pencils and mixed media paper for his abstract work. Noofi wants to explore painting, charcoal, graphic design and ceramics. #IAMNOOFI |