Painter Murad Abu-Rayyan decides it unethical to chew with your mouth open

Murad full of excitement and empty on sleep.
Photo by Eihab Shah

Murad Abu-Rayyan was born on July 11, 1990 in Bethlehem, Palestine. Shortly after birth, his family swam or flew (facts are debatable) to Texas for a few months before returning to their hometown in Halhul, Palestine. At around 8 years old, after indecisively going back-and-forth between the two countries, the Abu-Rayyan’s set up camp in the Americas for the long haul.

Majoring in advertising with a minor in painting, Murad came to Texas State University from Austin Community College in the fall of 2013. When he has free time, he avidly pursues music, literature and the arts. Murad has been playing guitar religiously since 2009 and drawing all his life. He is currently working on a graphic novel in which he hopes will become a full-time gig for the rest of his days.

At one point Murad was known as Air Jordan, emphasis on the “Air.” Murad’s lack of ability to play basketball was prevalent in his teenage years as well as early adulthood. He strives to be like his idol Buckethead through his guitar-work and his favorite painter John Singer Sargent in his painting. You’ll find Murad in some corner of the earth perfecting these two crafts.

In the meantime, Murad works two jobs as a bookseller and a waiter, Barnes and Noble and Arpeggio Grill respectively, while attending school full-time.