Despite the crippling effects of war in Iraq, its art market has remained vibrant and has made its way to Dubai to showcase an interesting set of painting collections.
Holiday Centre Mall will display an interesting set of Islamic paintings featuring famous Iraqi artists as part of its programme of activities during this holy month of Ramadan. The exhibition will open at 8.30 pm on Thursday, October 12 at the Holiday Centre Mall lobby, Crowne Plaza.
Art collector Anan Burhan Elbin Sulaiman will present about 80-100 drawings from famous Iraqi artists, including the works of Iraq’s famous Ali Ghani, which have been known for his Iraqi Islamic paintings, as well his application of Islamic calligraphy in his paintings.
“Ghani has started exhibiting in the Gulf region since 1995 and has found Dubai as the ideal marketplace to introduce his works to the world. His paintings feature a mixture of sketches and Islamic calligraphy,” said Ms. Sulaiman.
Although many paintings have come from Baghdad, the collection portrays a balanced representation of the Iraqi people from various regions of the country. “There is a sense of commonality in the brush strokes, but the outcome always shows the different colors of life within the Iraqi society,” added Ms. Sulaiman.
Works of other artists such as Emad Altaay, and Mote Eljomayle will also be on display until the 24th of October.
Ms. Sulaiman further commented that the paintings touch on different subjects and styles from realist to Islamic themes, still life, and portraits, but is evidently coming from a pool of artists belonging to the Iraqi beaux art school.
Art collectors who appreciate the unique character of a place will see how the Iraqi illustration of life are found in narrow-curved streets and the milieu of Southern Iraqi traditions captured in interesting colors and texture.
“The Iraqi people’s proud history and love for life is very much evident in the paintings. Women in veils will be part of the dominant themes, as well as domes of mosques in an array of interesting colors.”
The Iraqi art market, considered one of the biggest in the Middle East has initially gained prominence from humanitarian workers, mostly European, Americans and Asians who have wandered through the markets and open galleries in the streets of Baghdad.
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