QUICK FACTS
Date of Birth
1973
Basra, Iraq
Place of Birth
Why Featured?
Sama Alshaibi has used her art to explore the complex narratives of displacement, exile, and the Palestinian experience, creating powerful visual metaphors that resonate deeply within and beyond the Palestinian community.
BRIEF BIO
Sama Alshaibi is a Palestinian-Iraqi-American visual artist and photographer whose work primarily focuses on themes of displacement, exile, and the impact of conflict on individuals and communities. Through her multimedia installations, Alshaibi often incorporates her own body to symbolize the intersection of personal and collective histories, especially within the context of the Palestinian diaspora. Her art has been showcased globally, bringing attention to the struggles and resilience of Palestinians and other displaced communities.
LAST UPDATED
DATE
Monday, January 26, 2026
MAJOR MILESTONES
Key dates & turning points
Born in Basra, Iraq (1973): Alshaibi was born to a Palestinian mother and Iraqi father, experiencing early life in a region marked by political turmoil.
Emigrated to the United States (1986): Fleeing the violence of the Iran-Iraq war, Alshaibi and her family resettled in the United States, where she later pursued her education in the arts.
Fulbright Scholar Fellowship (2014-2015): During her residency at the Palestine Museum in Ramallah, Alshaibi developed an educational program and conducted independent research, significantly contributing to Palestinian cultural preservation (College of Fine Arts).
Guggenheim Fellowship in Photography (2021): This prestigious award recognized her impactful work in photography, particularly her exploration of displacement and migration.
Exhibited in Major International Biennials: Alshaibi's work has been featured in several renowned biennials, including the Venice Biennale and Cairo Biennale, marking her influence on the global art stage...See More
CONTRIBUTIONS
What they did, and why it matters
Exploring Palestinian Displacement: Alshaibi's work, particularly the Silsila series, delves into the themes of migration and displacement, using the desert as a metaphor to represent the continuous movement and survival of displaced communities, including Palestinians (Art Breath ).
Highlighting the Impact of Conflict: Through her multimedia installations and photography, Alshaibi captures the human consequences of war and occupation, with a focus on the Palestinian experience, bringing these realities to an international audience...See More
Artistic Representation of Exile: Alshaibi often uses her body as a symbolic representation of exile and displacement, creating a powerful visual narrative that resonates with the Palestinian diaspora and others who have experienced forced migration.
Cultural Preservation through Education: During her Fulbright Fellowship, she not only created art but also contributed to cultural preservation by developing educational programs at the Palestine Museum, ensuring the continuity of Palestinian heritage through art.
International Advocacy for Palestinian Narratives: By participating in and being recognized at international biennials and exhibitions, Alshaibi has effectively used her art to advocate for Palestinian rights and bring attention to the ongoing struggles of the Palestinian people.
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Last updated
Jan 26, 2026
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