“Perspectives 3” Art Exhibit Opens in Southfield

Celebrating Chaldean-American creativity

By Sarah Kittle

The vibrant artistry of the Chaldean-American community will be on full display this summer as the Perspectives 3 exhibition opens at Southfield City Hall. Featuring the work of eight Michigan-based Chaldean-American artists, the exhibit is a tribute to cultural identity, creative expression, and the power of visual storytelling.

This special exhibition, organized in partnership with the Chaldean Cultural Center, Chaldean Community Foundation, and the City of Southfield’s Arts Commission, brings together a dynamic group of artists, including Reni Stephan, Sam Selou Wazi, Emad Tammo, Azhr Matti, Habib Hannona, Wilson Sarkis, Taif Alheety, and Sipya Kado.

The artwork represents a wide range of mediums and themes, blending traditional Chaldean influences with contemporary perspectives. One of the featured pieces is “Hearing the Heartbeat of Babylon” by Reni Stephan, a striking image that encapsulates the spirit of the exhibit—celebrating cultural heritage while forging new artistic paths.

The Southfield Public Arts Commission curates new exhibits of local artists’ work on a quarterly basis. “This initiative is something the Commission has envisioned as a way to network, promote diversity and inclusion, engage with the community, and support local artists,” said Delores Flagg, Chairperson of the Southfield Public Arts Commission.

“We recognize the abundance of talented artists in Southfield and the metro area. They just need a platform, and we are providing them with a showcase for their work. We understand the importance of highlighting art and artists. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

The city also hosts the Consulate-General of Iraq, reflecting its significance as a hub for the Iraqi immigrant community in Metro Detroit.

The exhibit will remain on display through July 31, 2025, allowing visitors ample time to experience the creativity and stories of the Chaldean-American community. Those interested in learning more can call (248) 796-5100 for additional information.

Participating Artists

Azhr Matti was born in northern Iraq, in the village of Karemlash in Nineveh. Matti studied art at the City of Mosul Institute of Fine Arts. Matti has a special interest in history and culture and bases his art around his culture. “Our culture is our identity, and it is important not to lose it.” Matti does many different types of visual art, such as drawing and pottery.

Wilson Sarkis is an American citizen who is part of the Chaldean Assyrian community in Detroit with roots in Iraq. For 30 years, Sarkis has worked to make a name for himself in the photographic world, doing personal and commercial photography. Corporate and nonprofit stories are brought to life with a specific style that stems from his creativity and imagery, capturing the brand’s essence. Sarkis has been slated to photograph Iraq for a future documentary.

Reni Stephan was born in Baghdad, Iraq. In hopes of a brighter future, Stephan’s family made the decision to leave their home country. With his new opportunities, Reni discovered a profound love for drawing. His talent was undeniable, even at an early age. He attended college for Creative Studies in 2005, where he furthered his reach and began painting and sculpting. With each piece he creates, Stephan’s hope is that he will remain true to his Assyrian Babylonian heritage and ensure its survival.

Sam Selou Wazi was born in Nineveh, Iraq and grew up in Baghdad. He left Iraq in 1977 and followed his passion for art to Europe. Later, he immigrated to the United States in 1979 to seek a better future and pursue his dream of attending art school. Although he felt he wasn’t well-versed in English, he was able to attend Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan, where he especially enjoyed painting and sculpture. He received a great amount of satisfaction in continuing his dream within this country’s wonderful institutions.

Emad Tamo was born in Iraq and has spent most of his life drawing and painting. In 2013, Tamo moved to the United States and visited many museums and galleries. His first project in the US was a 26 ft wide mural at the Heller Elementary School Library. He has participated in many shows and galleries and continues to develop his skill and passion for the arts to this day.

Sipya Kado is an Assyrian visual artist originally from the historic city of Alqosh, Iraq. From a young age, Kado developed a deep passion for capturing moments, beginning his journey into photography at age 13 using just an iPhone camera. In 2014, at the age of 15, Kado moved to Michigan, where he began to pursue his passion more seriously. By 2016, he was professionally photographing weddings, developing a reputation for his storytelling approach and creative vision. In 2018, Kado expanded into videography, particularly music video directing. Since then, he has directed and filmed over 50 music videos, primarily for Assyrian artists, with several Arabic productions as well.

Taif Alheety was born in Iraq and moved to the United States in 2014. She studied Interior Design at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, where her passion for visual storytelling and spatial aesthetics was further refined. Over the past decade, Alheety has devoted herself to painting, building a body of work that bridges her cultural heritage with contemporary artistic expression. Through her art, Alheety explores themes of identity, memory, and transformation. Her paintings often evoke a sense of emotional depth and quiet strength, reflecting both her personal journey and her broader cultural experience. She’s currently studying drawing and painting.

Habib Hannona’s personal journey is one of determination and accomplishment. His achievements in the United States, Kuwait, and Iraq exemplify human strength, an enduring spirit, survival, and success. Hannona has had several illustrious careers -  as an author, engineer, linguist, painter, poet, and historian. Born in Karemlesh, he moved with his family to Baghdad, where he graduated high school. Hannona later traveled to West Germany to study architecture, returning to Iraq in 1964. Eager to further his education, Hannona took advantage of opportunities offered by the Jesuit’s at Al-Hikma University in Baghdad to study civil engineering. Hannona came to the United States with his family on Christmas Eve in 1991.