Biography
1965 Palestinian, German. Born in London.
1983-86 BSc Hons Social Anthropology & Sociology, University of Ulster at Coleraine
1986-86 MA Islamic Societies & Cultures, SOAS, University of London
1988 Wimbledon School of Art, Foundation Diploma
1990-92 MA Art & Architecture, Kent Institute of Art & Design, Canterbury

Group Shows
1980 Cadbury’s National Children’s Art Competition, Prize Winner
1985 Outwood Art Gallery, Surrey
1990 Wimbledon School of Art Centenary Show, Savoy Hotel, London
1992 “DIPTIK”, Acte de Naissance travelling exhibition in France and Belgium
1994 “Aids Art”, Cafe 97, Hong Kong
1994 Set Design, Fringe Theater, Hong Kong
2006 Artist in Residence, Malerwoche, Suetschach
2006 Artists’ Symposium, Krumpendorf, Kärntner Caritas Verband
2006 Group Show - Ferlacher Werkstadt, Town Hall, Ferlach
2007 “Verbreite das Licht”, installation with Silvia Norden, Ferlach Roman Catholic Church, Ferlach
2007 “Engeln”, Group Show - Ferlacher Werkstadt, Town Hall, Ferlach
2007 Representing Austria at the Festival des Beaux Arte Plastique, Monastir, Tunisia
2007-8 Austrian Art Association Gallery, Klagenfurt
2008 Ex Libris exhibition, “Lighthouse”, group show Historical Archive of Pancevo, Serbia
2008 “Angels”, group exhibition, Pancevo, Serbia
2008 Work on Paper, touring exhibition of Italian schools
2008 “The Silk Road”, Art Action led by Samia Tossio for the Sutton Imagine Festival: community art project, sponsored by Arts Council of England & Sutton Council
2008 “ Water, Beaches & Aquatic Creatures,” The Corner Gallery, London
2008 “Art for Christmas,” The Corner Gallery, London

One Person Shows
1996 Club Interior Design, London
2005 “Die Botschaft der Liebe”, Au Schlößl, Caritas Graz-Seckau
2006 “ “ “ “ , Stift St Georgen am Längsee
2006 Freie Waldorf Schule, Graz
2006 Seckauberg, Caritas Graz-Seckau
2006 Stadt Cafe, Ferlach
2006 St Ruprecht Community Center, Klagenfurt
2007 Die Botschaft der Liebe, Caritas Graz-Seckau, Pfarrheim, Krieglach

About the work
“Searching for God, the artist found her spiritual fulfillment with the sufi master, Sheikh Nazim.
The core theme of sufism is the Love that originates from the Divine and calls us back to Him.
This Love is reflected in the whole of creation and it is love of God that enables us to surrender our will to His Will, leading ultimately to unity with Him.
Hana Horack Elyafi’s abstract paintings reflect the unfathomable Mystery of the universe; incorporating script from the Qur’an, from the saints, or her own verse, which address different issues on the path of humanity, here and hereafter.
Dr. Edith Risse
Caritas Graz-Seckau

“In my opinion, Hana Horack Elyafi is an artist of the dialogue, and so her work is an important contribution to the mutual understanding of cultures rooted in partly divergent religious traditions.”
Professor Peter Strasser
Institut für Rechtsphilosophie, Rechtssoziologie und Rechtsinformatik, Karl-Franzens-Universität, Graz.

Artist´s Statement
To allow that which must be to be. To surrender to the process of creation and worship the Source of all. These are my meagre offerings, attempting the impossible: to cut out my heart and give it to You. O yes, but You have it already. Paradox. Words end, it cannot be said.