Mohamed Hersi is a Minneapolis-based painter and clothing designer whose work blends hyper-realism with abstract expressionism. Drawing from personal stories, memory, and human connection, he paints figures rooted in realism while layering abstraction to reflect the unpredictable rhythms of daily life.

Since his first solo exhibition in 2012, the first of its kind in the Somali community, Hersi has continued to explore identity, migration, and belonging through both canvas and couture. His recent foray into documentary film, supported by the Lake Street Lift program, pushed his creative boundaries and expanded his practice beyond the studio.

Whether through oil paint or tailored garments, Hersi’s work offers a deeply personal and poetic invitation to reflect, connect, and remember.