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Portrait of Leila Abdelrazaq

Leila Abdelrazaq

Palestinian American artist, author, and cultural organizer

Born
1992
Born in
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Read Leila’s story2 videosAsk about Leila

Why Leila is here

Pioneering Work in Graphic Novels on Palestinian Themes

Their story

Leila Abdelrazaq is a Chicago-born Palestinian-American artist and writer, known for her graphic novels that explore themes of Palestinian identity, diaspora, and history. Her works combine personal narratives with broader socio-political contexts, bringing to life the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Leila’s path.

  1. Graphic Novel Debut

    Published her debut graphic novel, Baddawi, which was shortlisted for the 2015 Palestine Book Awards and has been translated into three languages, including Arabic.

  2. Academic Achievements

    Graduated from DePaul University in 2015 with a BFA in Theatre Arts and a BA in Arabic Studies, fueling her dual interest in art and Middle Eastern studies.

  3. Community Engagement

    Active in community organizing around Palestinian issues in Chicago since 2011, using her art to advocate and educate.

  4. International Recognition

    Her work has been featured in exhibitions and literary platforms globally, including World War 3 Illustrated and VICE Magazine.

  5. Entrepreneurial Ventures

    Co-founded Maamoul Press in 2019, an independent project supporting visual storytelling from SWANA communities.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Innovative Graphic Storytelling

    Leila has utilized graphic novels as a medium to address complex themes such as displacement and identity, making significant contributions to the genre of political and autobiographical comics.

    Watch

  2. Cultural Representation

    Through her graphic novels and zines, she has visually chronicled the Palestinian experience, contributing to the preservation and understanding of Palestinian history and culture.

  3. Educational Impact

    Abdelrazaq’s work is used in educational settings to facilitate discussions on Middle Eastern politics and the Palestinian diaspora.

  4. Advocacy and Activism

    Her artistic projects often intersect with her activism, particularly in promoting social justice and civil rights within and beyond the Palestinian community.

    Watch

  5. Supporting Emerging Artists

    Through Maamoul Press, supports independent visual storytelling and publishing.

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Watch & listen

Leila in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 01Innovative Graphic Storytelling↗

  • 02Advocacy and Activism↗

Further reading

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