Evan Hikmat

Evan Hikmat is an Iraqi visual artist and illustrator/children’s book illustrator, journalist, and activist focusing on women’s and children’s rights, based in Haugesund, Norway.

She holds a Diploma (2004) and a Bachelor’s degree (2007) in Fine Arts from the University of Baghdad. Her artistic journey bridges cultures and disciplines, exploring themes of identity, freedom, and human resilience through both visual and narrative expression.

For nearly two decades, Evan has worked across painting, illustration, and creative education. She continues to create and illustrate children’s books, focusing on imaginative storytelling and emotional connection.

Her work has been exhibited in many international exhibitions, including the Iraq International Book Fair, the Muscat International Book Fair, the Sharjah Children›s Reading Festival, the Istanbul Arab Book Fair, amongst others.

She draw illustrations of a multitude of children’s books, stories, nursery rhymes and poems published in many Arabic children’s publications.  

Throughout her career, Evan has addressed social and humanitarian themes, including women’s rights, children’s rights, and freedom of expression.violence against women, and underage marriage whilst encouraging children to express themselves through art. Her projects often blend art and advocacy, using creativity as a form of dialogue and healing.

In 2022, Evan held her solo exhibition in Haugesund, opening the renowned Sildajazz Festival with a collection that celebrated creativity, music, and the poetic rhythm of daily life.
She currently leads several art workshops for adults and young people, encouraging creative expression and confidence through color, storytelling, and experimentation.

She also contributed dozens of paintings and illustrations as part of the United Nations’ Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) campaign,  also participated in numerous workshops, including ‘Come to Write in Baghdad’, teaching children creative expression.

Evan’s work has been exhibited and published in multiple countries, reflecting a commitment to art that transcends borders and connects people through empathy and imagination.