Ehmed Kenan has drawn attention since childhood for his remarkable talent in painting. For him, art is not merely a creative form, it is one of the most powerful ways to express social reality and the rich culture of the Kurdish people.

Kenan grew up in the town of Girkê Legê in the Cizîr Canton and began his artistic journey at the age of eight. Even at that young age, he recognized that his drawings had a distinctive style, different from those of his peers. He never saw painting as just a school subject; for him, it was a deeper language of expression, rich with meaning.

Kenan described how art became a deeply rooted part of his life. He told ANHA News Agency: “My passion for painting began in childhood. I found the most natural way to express my emotions and thoughts through this art. That is why I put great effort into improving my skills.

Talent is something you’re born with, but achieving your goals requires determination and hard work. I am still at the beginning of the road. In the coming period, I aim to create works that reflect our people’s cultural heritage and the traditions that make our society unique.”

Kenan opened a small shop in the marketplace of Girkê Legê in an effort to share his art with a wider audience. There, he not only exhibits his paintings but also creates custom pieces upon request. His work offers a powerful critique of the male-dominated mindset that oppresses women, while also celebrating the enchanting beauty of nature.

Kenan has turned his art into a livelihood, using every brushstroke to strengthen his own voice and to amplify the voice of Kurdish society. For him, painting is not merely an aesthetic pursuit, it is a powerful tool for raising social awareness and making change possible.