the people of iraq knew the art of farooq hassan. in 2010, farooq fled to the united states and left behind all of his work, and his fame. it's like losing yourself. >> farooq: yeah, of course. but i try to renew myself. >> reporter: farooq took his paintings to the geezer gallery in multnomah where curators embraced his art immediately. >> curator: well, without a doubt, he was extremely experienced. his layout, his form his design, color. he was magnificent. he is into that master's quality. obviously a lifetime of artwork. >> reporter: the gallery is hanging farooq's solo exhibition. >> curator: he is flourishing. and what a thrill to be a part of that. today farooq's paintings strike a similar central theme. >> farooq: i want to create a beautiful painting. the first thing i choose the women. the women is beautiful. of course. they're beautiful. i believe the women is the origin of the life. >> reporter: you'll find examples of veiled women in farooq's earlier work. today farooq has done away with the veil. >> farooq: this woman i