Issa Ibrahim is an artist, musician, author and filmmaker living and working in Queens, N.Y.

Insanity Plea Patient Out on Parole.

Chocolate Child of the Nuclear Age.

Black Bohemian Man Out of Time.

Raised from a living death in Creedmoor Psychiatric Center, Issa Ibrahim could be anybody. And he is you, or someone you know, who has run afoul of “The System” and fallen through the cracks of society. Same old story…why should you care? Maybe because there’s a bright and shiny rainbow at the end, and doesn’t everyone like happy endings?

Issa Ibrahim has been reborn. He has come into full bloom creatively while living under the most psychologically restrictive conditions. In 2016 Chicago Review Press published The Hospital Always Wins: A Memoir detailing his experiences in a broken mental health system including spending 20-years in an asylum following a horrific family tragedy.

Artist, Author, Musician, Filmmaker.

Above all a Survivor.

Like a soul entombed, Issa has come forth with tall tales of death, using humor, bite, toothpicks and bubblegum. Chronicling the various ghouls, grave robbers, maggots, witches and spirits that drifted through him in his quest to understand himself. Released from bondage, Issa re-experiences life decades later, like Rip Van Winkle or Captain America…except twice as hard cuz he’s black.

Come explore the nether regions of the soul with Issa Ibrahim...It just may re-kindle your will to live.

One fan raves-

“You take the raw materials of your existence and experiences and transmute them in art, music and a profound glimpse into realms others may not have been fortunate enough to see without your guidance.”

Current and Upcoming Shows

Fountain House Gallery

Re-Invention

1/16/2026-3/11/2026

702 9th Ave, NYC

Passion Fashion Show

Tuesday, February 24
6-8 PM

Positive Exposure
83 Maiden Lane, 4th floor, NYC

The Cosmic Knockout is a gothic horror/ Greek Tragedy/ sex farce and sci-fi take on the Second Coming, where a zombie trapped in Hell tries to overcome his damnation while battling severe mental illness, marijuana addiction and Satan himself.

CLICK IMAGE FOR eBOOK

Advance praise and short testimonials

for the new novel

THE COSMIC KNOCKOUT

A sci-fi/fantasy/horror/psychotic memoir available

in ebook & audiobook formats.

Print version only available at Issa’s online store.

AVAILABLE NOW…more info in BOOKS

PASSION FASHION SHOW

(Fountain) House of Re/Invention

Positive Exposure
83 Maiden Lane, 4th floor
New York, NY 10038

Tuesday, February 24
6-8 PM

See Fountain House artists' handmade style debut at our inaugural fashion show, proudly hosted with Positive Exposure and curated by Vermillion. Each time we intentionally dress ourselves, we use our aesthetics as a tool to be seen, acknowledged and appreciated. We playfully signal to like-minded strangers that we're inviting their gaze. Plan to be wowed by thrifted ensembles, unique vestments painted upon and handmade jewelry and accessories! 

Fountain House members, staff and supporters will take the runway in one-of-a-kind garments designed and created by Fountain House artists — pieces that celebrate self-expression, reflecting the healing power of community and emphasize renewal. 

Shop the styles and meet the artists after the show and enjoy light refreshments. We encourage all guests to join us by wearing their own handcrafted creations and accessories or clothes that support causes you care about.