‘Um Qusay’ - Framed
Photograph by Gus Palmer
Framed acrylic on 16 x 20-inch linen canvas board
This portrait of Aliyah Khalaf Saleh, also known as “Um Qusay,” was created by Claire Le Day and Gus Palmer. The original photograph, taken by Gus during the filming of Once Upon a Time in Iraq, captures Um Qusay, a remarkable figure who demonstrated extraordinary courage during a critical moment in modern history.
In 2014, as ISIS advanced on Tikrit, Iraq, cadets training at the former U.S.-run military base fled, many tragically killed in what is now known as the Speicher Massacre. Fifty cadets found refuge in Um Qusay’s compound along the banks of the River Tigris. Risking her life, she protected them and eventually secured their safe passage to Kurdish territory.
Gus Palmer, a director, producer, and photojournalist, excels in storytelling and human connection. Claire Le Day, a self-taught portrait artist based in Devon, balances her creative pursuits with her work as a GP and university lecturer. Through this collaborative piece, they aim to honour Um Qusay’s courage and compassion.
UK delivery via Royal Mail special delivery. Please message to enquire about shipment outside of the UK or local pick up.
Photograph by Gus Palmer
Framed acrylic on 16 x 20-inch linen canvas board
This portrait of Aliyah Khalaf Saleh, also known as “Um Qusay,” was created by Claire Le Day and Gus Palmer. The original photograph, taken by Gus during the filming of Once Upon a Time in Iraq, captures Um Qusay, a remarkable figure who demonstrated extraordinary courage during a critical moment in modern history.
In 2014, as ISIS advanced on Tikrit, Iraq, cadets training at the former U.S.-run military base fled, many tragically killed in what is now known as the Speicher Massacre. Fifty cadets found refuge in Um Qusay’s compound along the banks of the River Tigris. Risking her life, she protected them and eventually secured their safe passage to Kurdish territory.
Gus Palmer, a director, producer, and photojournalist, excels in storytelling and human connection. Claire Le Day, a self-taught portrait artist based in Devon, balances her creative pursuits with her work as a GP and university lecturer. Through this collaborative piece, they aim to honour Um Qusay’s courage and compassion.
UK delivery via Royal Mail special delivery. Please message to enquire about shipment outside of the UK or local pick up.
