MODERN
ART IN IRAQ: LEADING FIGURES AND INTERNATIONAL PERSONALITIES
This includes our senior
advisor, curator Dr Ulrike al-Khamis (Scotland), artists Rashad Selim (UK),
Sadik Alfraji (The Netherlands), Hana Mal Allah (Baghdad), Ali Mandalawi (UK),
Ibrahim Rashid (Sweden), Leila Kawash (USA), Hala al-Sarraf and scores of
dedicated artists and well wishers who embraced our vision and believed in our
aims. Furthermore, we succeeded in gaining vital support
(moral/financial/In-Kind) from national and international art establishments
including the Arts Council of England (ACE); Visiting Arts (VA); the British
Museum; The Brunei Gallery, School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS);
Exeter University; Grinnell College (USA); City of Bath (UK); the Arab Museum
of Modern Art, Doha; Arts & the Islamic World; Altajir World of Islam Trust,
UK; the International Council for Women in the Arts (ICWA), Visual Arts
Resource and Grinnell College, USA; Royal Society of Fine Arts; Darat al-Funoun,
Jordan; Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi and the Ministry of Culture and
Information, UAE; European Union for Migrant Artists Network (EUMAN), Finland;
IPS (Internet Presence Solutions); Saqi Books and many others worldwide.
Steady, organised work driven by a clear and passionate vision has lead to
profound accomplishment and success; as the saying goes, 'Men jedda wajad', wa
ma tawfeqena illa billah.”
CONTACT: Email:
info@ayagallery.co.uk at The AYA Gallery is London's newest and one
of the most prominent galleries dedicated to promoting and exhibiting
contemporary art from the Arab, Middle East and Muslim world at large, as well
as art which is inspired by the region. The AYA Gallery originated as a direct
response to the rising demand for a high quality platform in London solely
committed to such presentations. Maysaloun
Faraj’s art is a unique art style at many levels, distinguished by its
romantic intellectualism, educated evocative expressions and enchanting
compositions. Those are the primordial elements that constitute the fabric of
an innovative and captivating artistic creativity. HIRIZ transports us in time
and space to a mythologico-metaphysico-historical dreamland. This painting is
beautifully solid in its artistic structure, transcendental in its evocation
and intelligent in its composition.
In this fabulous
painting, Faraj managed to capture thousands of years of civilization, echoes
of the murmurs of vanished deities and mysticism of the whole universe of the
Middle and Near East. Are those eyes she depicted, the eyes of the Egyptian
liturgical divinity and cultic wisdom or the mesmerizing eyes of an Iraqi
Goddess? Are those delicate structural fragments in zigzag and intricate
triangles the blueprints of a cosmic landscape, the elevation of the soul or
the dreams puzzles of an innocent child? Faraj’
painting is a delightful mental, emotional and artistic playground for our
dreams, intimacy and fantasies. The colors are imposing in their mystical
evocation. The fragile details are dominant in their transparent allegory. The
fabric of Faraj’s ever expanding background is rich and challenging in its
limpid yet rebellious strokes. This painting is a masterpiece, for it attracts
your mind to an historical spell and captivates your soul into nostalgic
episodes of the fragments of time, a time which appears on her linens, half
human and half divine. Faraj is the gentle and rebellious Goddess of Iraqi
abstract art. Faraj has mastered the eloquence and magic of colors.
This is an international artist of a world class quality and supreme artistic
beauty.
ZEINAB
MAHDI'S DIJLA GALLERY
Dijla
Art Gallery is a prominent gallery in Baghdad specializing in contemporary
Iraqi art and has extended its interest to include arts of other
civilizations. Dedicated to encourage and promote art of Iraqi art pioneers as
well as emerging and established artists working primarily in painting,
sculpture, graphic and ceramic art. Dijla is a unique gallery and event place
with 12 viewing rooms and meeting spaces where distinguished art and
architectural exhibitions are held in addition to other cultural activities
such as lectures, open debates and musical performances. Established in July
of 1997, the gallery is situated in the heart of Baghdad's art district on Abu
Nouas Street overlooking the river Tigris (Dijla) and based in an old family
home built in 1932. The owner,
Zainab Mahdi, has succeeded in
introducing the viewer in this intellectually stimulating atmosphere with art
that generates great interest and encourages creativity. As a result, the
viewer has the opportunity to participate in an aesthetic experience and
complete the dialogue that had begun by the artist. Having organized more than
30 solo and joint exhibitions, where illustrated brochures have accompanied
all, the gallery seeks to satisfy both the casual art admirer and the
established collector.
Zeinab
Mahdi explains: “The realization of this gallery had always been my dream. It
took a long time to come true. The first tangible spark was in December 1993
when the Red Cross of Iraq requested my aid in creating a mural representing
the birth of their organization. The mural had to be 9x3 meters so I needed
spaces and help of other artists. Immediately, I thought of the old family
home as the rooms are large enough and the atmosphere is so inspiring for the
creation of this project. I could there conduct this art work and have the
opportunity to once again sense the antiquity of the place while reminiscing.
Having spent about two months working on the mural, I became deeply attached
to my home once again. Although the thought of refurbishing the large deserted
home was immensely overwhelming, it was easier to bear than the thought of
locking the doors once again. Finally, I have started the big task. It took a
very long time as the circumstances were very difficult. Eventually, it was
all over and was first inaugurated on the 7th of July, 1997.From that time on,
we have succeeded in presenting exclusive art works and organizing many
exhibitions in which some of them were very distinguished.
I have realized that with the help and
encouragement of friends, family and artists, namely the late Ismaeel Al
Shaikli, Jamil Hammoudi, Dr. Khalid Al-Qassab, Dr.Nouri Bahjat, Nazeeha Salim,
Nouri Al Rawi and the late Nazar Al Hindawi. With many thanks to loved ones
and the mentioned artists, not only did I live to enjoy the fulfillment of my
dream but the gallery also gained its good standard and reputation. “
“ I have been in the
art milieu for many years. To remain vital, I surround myself with exciting,
stimulating art and seek challenges. I believe in good, continuous service, as
well as honesty and reliability.
Contact:
zainab@DijlaArt.com
