Fatima Ahmad Fakhro was born in Bahrain on November 22, 1943. Located in the middle of the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain is an Arab nation governed by a monarchy and predominated by a male dominant society. Society is dictated by strict cultural and moral Arab traditions. Bahrain has developed tremendously in recent years in terms of technology, cultural diversity and tolerance. But Fatima's childhood and adolescent years witnessed very little freedom of expression for women. This is a theme that she brings with her to the United States, as she has currently been residing since 1980. "My message is to release the women of my world from the repressive bonds of my society." This is represented through her use of nudity as a symbol of freedom and independence. Fatima has deep admiration for the individual freedoms and liberties that the United States of America has to offer. She was also fascinated by the beautiful colours produced by nature and the four seasons. All her art work carries some kind of message or deeper meaning. She tries to communicate universal emotions (such as death, love, and sadness) through personal events. The media she uses to express herself include colour, texture, symbols, and images. "My artwork is supposed to cause an emotional reaction, or give a message to the viewer. I think art is universal”.

Political Science and Economics, Baghdad University, Iraq 1965-67.

Diploma with high distinction in Interior Design, Centre of Fine Arts, Beirut, Lebanon 1967-70.

Putney School of Art, London, England 1972.

B.F.A Magna cum Laude, The Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, Maryland 1982.

Summer Program with Enzo Cucchi and Eliseo Matiacci, Instituto Superiore Per Le Industie Artistishe, Urbino, Italy 1986.

M.F.A.Mt Royal School of Painting, The Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, Maryland 1987.