Today we’d like to introduce you to Sughra Hussainy.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my journey as an artist in Kabul, Afghanistan, where I studied traditional art at Turquoise Mountain Institute. Art became more than a creative practice for me—it became a way to preserve culture, tell stories, and give voice to experiences that are often difficult to express. After coming to the United States, I continued my education and earned my MFA in Community Arts from the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). Since then, I have continued developing my practice through painting, calligraphy, embroidery, weaving, and working with natural pigments, while also teaching and engaging with communities through art. Today, I am based in Virginia, where I continue to explore how art can be a form of survival, resistance, connection, and storytelling.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. One of my biggest challenges was coming to the United States without knowing English. I truly felt like I was starting from A, B, C again—not only learning a new language, but also learning how to navigate a new country and a new culture.
At the same time, I was trying to continue my education and grow as an artist. It was difficult, but I kept going. Art became a language I could always rely on, even when I could not find the right words in English.
Looking back, I see those challenges as an important part of my journey. They taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of finding your voice, even when you feel you don’t have the words.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My work is rooted in, including miniature painting, calligraphy, illumination, embroidery, weaving, and working with natural pigments. I am interested in how traditional art can carry memory, culture, and stories from one generation to another.
I also work as a community artist and I teach and create opportunities for people to experience art as a way of connecting, expressing themselves, and sharing their own stories. I especially enjoy bringing traditional techniques into new settings and making them accessible to different communities.
What I am most proud of is being able to carry the artistic traditions I learned in Afghanistan into my life in the United States while continuing to develop them in my own way. What sets me apart is the connection between my art and my lived experience. I don’t see art simply as something beautiful to look at—it is a way to preserve memory, build connection, and give voice to stories that might otherwise be forgotten.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Honestly, I don’t think the things that help me most can be found in an app, book, or podcast. I learn most from life itself—especially from the pain I have experienced and from witnessing what other people have gone through.
As a woman who lost both of my parents at a young age, I experienced loss and hardship early in life. Those experiences shaped the way I see the world and helped me understand the strength, pain, and resilience of other people, especially women and children who have faced difficult circumstances.
I carry those experiences into my art. For me, art is a way of transforming pain and difficult memories into something meaningful, while also giving voice to stories that deserve to be heard.
Pricing:
- Original artwork and handmade pieces are available for purchase, with prices varying by size, materials, and complexity. I offer art workshops and community-based classes; pricing varies depending on the workshop and format. I am also available for selected commissions and collaborations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sughrahussainy.com
- Instagram: Sughra Hussainy (@shussainy546)
- Facebook: Sughra Hussainy
- Youtube: @sughrahussainy1396
