Bassim Al Shaker is an Iraqi artist and United States citizen. Bassim was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq, during a period of political conflict and humanitarian torment. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Baghdad College of Fine Arts, where the primary focus of his studies was on cultivating his drawing and painting skills using an academic technique. His style is the culmination of a background in academic drawing and painting techniques and a pursuit of exploration in creating contemporary art. Bassim is continuing to work toward his goal of further self-discovery and development of his artistic style during his completion of the Master of Fine Arts program at SAIC.