Roz Omar: From Childhood Passion to the World of Art and Painting

Self-taught artist and medical student Roz Omar, from Qamishlo, has exhibited her work, won awards, and continued to pursue her passion alongside her university studies.

NAGHAM JAJAN

Qamishlo_ Since the age of fourteen, Roz Omar has been painting her dreams in distinctive colors, proving that talent knows no age and that perseverance can open doors to success.

While some try to express themselves through words, Roz Omar, a daughter of Qamishlo in Rojava, chose to make her paintings a language through which she tells her story and expresses her dreams. Today, she is taking steady steps toward honing her talent, relying on her abilities and passion for painting, affirming that with will and desire, nothing is impossible.

Roz Omar, 18 years old, obtained her baccalaureate degree this year and began her studies in the Faculty of Medicine at Rojava University. Speaking about her experience in painting, she said she has loved it since childhood, and that her sister also practices painting. "From my childhood to my youth, I have loved painting. For me, it is a valuable and respected work."

She noted that she learned to paint on her own, starting with very simple steps before gradually developing her skills to the point where she now paints large and valuable pieces. She explained that coming from an artistic family played a significant role in her journey, thanks to the support she received from her family members, especially her maternal uncle and her sister. She believes that working with passion and determination, along with diligence and perseverance, will ultimately yield success and allow one to reap the fruits of their efforts.

"I Participated in Many Exhibitions in Rojava"

Roz Omar noted that she has participated in many exhibitions. "In my first exhibition, I was asked to draw portraits of prominent figures. Due to the quality of my drawings, I received a certificate of appreciation from the exhibition organizers. The second exhibition was held as a competition, and I won and received another certificate of appreciation. Today, I can offer painting courses to those who wish to learn. Certainly, with will and desire, anyone can achieve what they want."

"Kobani Was Liberated Through the Sacrifices of Its Fighters"

Roz Omar spoke about some of the paintings she created that had a special impact on her. "The painting I made of a horse carries great meaning and symbolizes love. The red color symbolizes the blood shed for freedom, while black is a strong and striking color, and white symbolizes that light will emerge after every darkness. At the same time, the horse holds great value in Kurdish culture and the culture of the Peshmerga."

She added that her other painting depicts a fighter who struggled for his people's freedom and attained martyrdom. She said she wanted to highlight through it the attacks that Kobani witnessed, which was liberated thanks to the sacrifices of its fighters, expressing her belief that Rojava will remain steadfast as long as the Kurdish people are present and hold onto their land and cause.

 

"Everyone Should Be Able to Paint Their Dreams"

Roz Omar, who alongside her artistic work designs and sells gift boxes, explained that the painting tools she relies on are imported from outside the region, as she obtains them from Damascus and other areas. She noted that each type of painting has its own tools, including those for charcoal drawing.