ABOUT THE ARTWORK Gan is a Mongolian name meaning the 'bold one'. Gan grew up being abused in a conservative household. But she doesn't share the same morals and beliefs as her family, she wants more for herself, and she fights for her freedom and independence. The woman depicted in the painting conquered her challenges and stood back up stronger than ever - resilient. Behind the mask she wears, trying to act like she's doing okay, are hidden stories of her struggles.

ABOUT THE ARTIST Based in Amman, Jordan - Zeina Hammoude is a fine artist working with oil painting. Her interest in art started at a very young age. After graduating from school in Amman, she studied interior design and lived in London until 2010. She moved back home to start her career in interior design, event design, and event curation but her love for art was undeniable and she now paints full-time. She draws her artistic inspiration from her travels, diverse cultures, and the natural world, using life as a source of growth. Zeina has chosen the classical medium of oil painting to capture her moments. Her work is greatly inspired by the masters of Fauvism such as Matisse where conventional silhouettes of daily objects and people are embalmed by the vibrant colors of the unconscious lens. "Pursuit of Happiness" is Zeina's artistic way of storytelling to sow daily life onto blank canvases infused with positive energy & vibrant happiness. Zeina joined the artist residency program by 11:11 d'Artistes in Vietnam.