Unveiling a hidden talent

Hanan Nasser (left) and her family pose with "Self-Portrait" in the Anderson House Office Building.

Fast-forward to Wednesday, when her artwork was unveiled in the Anderson House Office Building—home to the Michigan House of Representatives. Her talent, it seems, is no longer hidden.

Nassar’s work, “Self-Portrait,” was among the pieces selected for Art in the House, a partnership between the Michigan House of Representatives and the Presidents Council, State Universities of Michigan. Each year, artwork created by students representing Michigan’s 15 public universities is displayed to promote art in everyday life.

“It was truly a joyous moment because it was an honor for doing what I have come to love,” Nasser said.

Nasser created “Self-Portrait” as part of an assignment for Applied Art 322: Intermediate Drawing. The assignment was to replicate a famous portraiture and then complete a self-portrait in a fashion similar to the original work.

She modeled her self-portraiture off of Leonardo da Vinci’s “Portrait of an Unknown Woman,” choosing to work with graphite on paper.

Nassar credits parental encouragement and a developing sense of the world with strengthening her resolve to follow her passion for art.

“Art should be seen as a kind of universal message. It is not just an expression, but rather a way of life,” she said. “I hope that my artwork will help others find their inspiration for what they love to do.”