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- 11 Iraqi Artists to Keep an Eye on in 2025
Iraq has a long and rich artistic heritage, and its contemporary artists continue to make waves on the global stage. From painters to photographers, sculptors to multimedia innovators, these creatives are redefining the boundaries of Iraqi art and sharing powerful narratives with the world. As we move into 2025, here are 11 Iraqi artists whose work you should definitely be following. Sadik Kwaish Alfraji Sadik Kwaish Alfraji (b. 1960, Baghdad) is an Iraqi multi-media artist known for his existentialist works featuring shadowy, faceless figures that explore human frailty, memory, and displacement. Trained in painting and printmaking, he earned a Diploma in Plastic Arts (1982) and a BA from Baghdad’s Academy of Arts (1987). Influenced by Expressionism, philosophy, and literature, Alfraji’s distinctive style has been showcased in major exhibitions worldwide, including the Venice Biennale (2017). His works are part of renowned collections such as the British Museum, the National Museum of Modern Art (Baghdad), LACMA, and the Museum of Fine Arts (Houston). Cheb Moha Cheb Moha is a multidisciplinary artist known for his work as a photographer, stylist, poet, and fashion designer. He is the founder of the streetwear brand Shabab Almustaqbal, blending contemporary aesthetics with cultural narratives. A self-described nomad, he was born in Iraq, raised between Libya and Canada, and now moves between Dubai, Kuwait, and Muscat, using his art to document and explore the Middle East and beyond. His photography has been featured in Vice iD, Vogue Arabia, The Fader, and Hypebeast , with editorial shoots for Brownbook and campaigns for brands like Vans, Carhartt WIP, and Arwa Al Banawi. He has also exhibited internationally, including at Brighton Photo Fringe. Sundus Abdul Hadi Sundus Abdul Hadi is an Iraqi-Canadian artist, writer, and curator whose work explores themes of trauma, resilience, and care. Based in Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, she holds a BFA in Studio Arts and Art History and an MA in Media Studies. Her creative practice spans visual art, literature, and cultural advocacy. She is the author and illustrator of Shams , a children’s book on trauma and healing, and the forthcoming Take Care of Your Self: The Art and Cultures of Care and Liberation (2020). She is also the founder of Maktaba Bookshop and co-founder of We Are The Medium, an artist collective. Abdul Hadi’s work has been exhibited globally, including in Palestine, the UAE, and France. She has led workshops in Australia, Iraq, and Kuwait and spoken at Nuqat, the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, and the Aga Khan Museum. A recipient of multiple awards, her work is part of the Barjeel Art Foundation collection. Amir Hazim Amir Hazim is an Iraqi multimedia artist whose work delves into themes of memory, identity, and cultural history. Born in Iraq, he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Art from the University of Baghdad. His practice is deeply influenced by his early life in post-2003 Baghdad, blending photography, sound, sculpture, painting, and installation to explore human nature within broader social and historical contexts. Currently focused on photography, Hazim’s work is distinguished by his masterful use of light and shadow, presented in both cinematic grayscale and vivid color. His experimental approach challenges perceptions, inviting viewers to question the meaning of art and their relationship with their surroundings. He has exhibited internationally, including at the RAF 3rd Edition in Ramallah with Zawyeh Gallery in 2022. Tamara Abdul Hadi Tamara Abdul Hadi is an Iraqi photographer and educator whose work explores cultural representation through photography. Her practice challenges stereotypes and seeks to present nuanced narratives of identity and heritage. In addition to her photography, she has taught extensively across Palestine, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, the UAE, Kuwait, Tunisia, and Canada, fostering visual storytelling in diverse communities. Her work has been widely published, though she now focuses on independent projects. Abdul Hadi’s photographs have been exhibited globally, and she frequently collaborates with her partner, Roï Saade. In 2022, she released her debut monograph, *Picture an Arab Man*, a compelling exploration of masculinity in the Arab world. Iyad Al-Mosawi Eyad Al-Musawi, born in Baghdad, has been deeply influenced by the city's artistic heritage and Islamic architecture. His journey as an artist has taken him across Kuwait, Morocco, and the UAE, enriching his perspective and creative approach. In 1979, he participated in the Asilah Cultural and Artistic Festival in Morocco. He later pursued his studies at Concordia University in Montreal, earning a BA in Graphic Arts, followed by a High Diploma in Arts Studies and Graphic Studio. In 1991, he was awarded a scholarship from Luswayt Firmt, further solidifying his artistic foundation. Musawi’s work is a fusion of abstraction and surrealism, characterized by bold colors, uprooted houses, and floating trees, reflecting themes of movement and displacement. He sees art as a continuous challenge, constantly inventing new modes of expression. Drawing inspiration from Sufi mystic Jalal al-Din Rumi, he seeks to bridge modern and traditional art forms. Currently, Musawi is based at the Banff Cultural Center in Alberta, Canada, where he continues to push artistic boundaries with his experimental 3D projects. Ali Al Tajer Ali Muhammad-Ali Al Tajer (b. 1962, Karbala) is an Iraqi painter and art historian known for his depictions of daily urban life and traditional Iraqi culture. He studied drawing at the University of Baghdad’s College of Fine Arts, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1987 and a master’s in drawing in 1992. A member of both the Association of Iraqi Artists and the Organization of Iraqi Fine Artists, Al Tajer blends realism with symbolic elements, often featuring flowers—especially roses—as recurring motifs. His work is inspired by artists such as James Ensor and Marc Chagall. In 2015, his painting series Babylon combined everyday Iraqi scenes with mythological and symbolic imagery. Beyond painting, Al Tajer is a dedicated researcher, focusing on Iraqi folk heritage and the role of ancient myths, human and animal motifs in Iraqi folk art. His work continues to document and reinterpret Iraq’s rich cultural history. Wadhah Mahdi Wadhah Mahdi is an award-winning Iraqi artist known for his evocative figurative paintings that capture the cultural richness of his homeland. Born in Baghdad, he studied at the Institute of Fine Arts and the Faculty of Fine Arts, graduating in 2000. His works often feature warm, earthy tones that create a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere, particularly in his portraiture, where subjects appear deep in thought or lost in introspection. Mahdi has exhibited his work in numerous solo and collective exhibitions, both locally and internationally. Among his accolades is the First Prize from the Saudi Center for Fine Arts (2015). A member of the Iraqi Artists Association and the Society of Iraqi Plastic Artists, he continues to live and work in Baghdad, preserving and reinterpreting Iraq’s artistic heritage. Dia al-Azzawi Dia al-Azzawi is a renowned Iraqi multi-disciplinary artist whose work spans painting, sculpture, printmaking, and publishing. Drawing from Arab heritage, folklore, and history, he creates contemporary works that resonate locally and internationally. As the first Iraqi artist to hold solo exhibitions abroad, Azzawi played a pivotal role in shaping Arab modern art. His 1968 manifesto Towards a New Vision responded to the decline of political pan-Arabism, inspiring cultural initiatives like the al-Wasiti Festival (1972) and the Arab Art Biennales (1974 onward). After leaving Iraq in 1976, he remained deeply engaged with the region, exhibiting widely across West Asia, North Africa, Europe, and America. Azzawi has produced over 100 artist’s books and print collections based on Arabic literature. His work often addresses themes of war and displacement, notably in Land of Darkness (1991–present), which reflects on conflict in Iraq, and Sabra and Shatila Massacre (1982–83), housed in Tate Modern. Beyond his own practice, he champions other artists through publishing, collecting, and curating, with initiatives like his Amman ceramics studio and the Arabic-language magazine Makou . Ayad Al-kadhi Born in Iraq, Ayad spent his early years between Baghdad, London, and the UAE before relocating to New Zealand after the first Gulf War. In the early 2000s, he moved to New York City to further his education, earning a Master of Fine Arts from New York University’s ITP - Tisch School of the Arts. He also holds a Bachelor's degree in Engineering Science and an Associate degree in Graphic Art and Design. Ayad’s work has been exhibited across the Middle East, New Zealand, Europe, and the U.S. His recent exhibitions include the Honolulu Museum of Art, Taiwan National Museum of Art, Nasher Museum of Art, University of Michigan Museum of Art, Nevada Museum of Art, and Los Angeles Municipal Gallery. He has also showcased his work at the Queens Museum, Austrian Cultural Forum, Herbert F. Johnson Museum, Station Museum in Houston, and Maraya Art Centre in Sharjah. Maisoon Alrubaei Maisoon Alrubaei is a UK-based artist whose evocative paintings have garnered a dedicated following of over 33,000 fans on Instagram. Her work captures a sense of nostalgia and intimacy, often depicting young women in modest, traditional clothing engaged in everyday tasks. The simplicity of her subjects' actions is a defining strength, drawing viewers into the quiet beauty of daily life. Alrubaei’s use of clear yet vibrant colors, combined with deeply expressive compositions, creates a compelling narrative within each piece. Her paintings resonate with emotion, inviting the viewer to imagine the hidden backstories and unspoken dreams of her subjects. This ability to blend nostalgia with storytelling has made her a rising force in the contemporary art scene. Follow us on: Instagram Tik Tok YouTube Make sure to share this post and subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications on our latest posts, as well as exclusive content and much more!
- 10 Lebanese Creatives to Watch out for in 2025
Read More: 10 Lebanese Artists you Need to Support in 2025 Lebanon has long been a hub of creativity, from its vibrant art scene to its innovative music, fashion, and film industries. In 2025, many Lebanese talent will emerge, push boundaries, and redefine their respective fields. Here are 10 Lebanese creatives to keep an eye on in the coming year: Layla Dagher Layla Dagher, born in Beirut, Lebanon, is a distinguished visual artist and educator. She earned her Master’s degree in Visual Arts with honors from the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts (ALBA) and currently teaches Fine Arts at Notre Dame University (NDU). Dagher has showcased her work in numerous group and solo exhibitions in Beirut and internationally in Tokyo, South Korea, Paris, Egypt, and Dubai. Her paintings are featured in both private and public collections, including the Lebanese Ministry of Culture. A member of the Syndicate of Lebanese Artists, Dagher continues to live and create in Beirut, contributing to the vibrant art scene of her home city. TINA YAMOUT Lebanese singer-songwriter and music producer Tina Yamout is renowned for her soulful pop infused with R&B and Middle Eastern influences. Her debut singles Mamnou3 and Kan Asdi amassed over 3 million streams, cementing her as a pioneer of crossover music. Rising to fame through Star Academy Arabia , Tina’s bold songwriting and powerful stage presence have led her to perform at Dubai Opera and alongside legends like Chris De Burgh and Ziad Rahbani. Her music, exploring themes of resilience and self-discovery, continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide. Nadine Labaki Nadine Labaki, awarded the Jury Prize at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival for her Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated film Capernaum , has long been intertwined with the Festival’s legacy. After gaining acclaim for her commercials and music videos, she joined the Festival’s Résidence de la Cinéfondation in 2004 to develop her debut feature Caramel , a celebrated ode to female solidarity and a milestone for Lebanese cinema. Her 2011 film Where Do We Go Now? , showcased in Cannes' Un Certain Regard, explored themes of tolerance, while her 2014 contribution to Rio, I Love You demonstrated her versatility. Labaki is currently working on her next project. Maroun Hakim For over fifty years, Maroun El Hakim has pursued painting and sculpting with unwavering passion and ease. Equally a painter and a sculptor, his art is deeply rooted in his connection to nature, his homeland of Lebanon, and his village of Mazraat Yachouh. Constantly evolving, Maroun experiments with diverse textures and mediums, from acrylics and oils to watercolor, pastel, and gouache, infusing each with his vibrant vision. As a sculptor, he skillfully works with stone, marble, wood, and steel, blending lines and forms with mastery. Now fully devoted to his craft, Maroun creates tirelessly in his atelier in Mazraat Yachouh, where his artistry continues to flourish. Ali Chaaban Born and raised in Kuwait, Lebanese artist Ali draws inspiration from culture and traditions, weaving them into his art. With a background in anthropology, he is often recognized as a pop-culture analyst, delving into themes of nostalgia and socio-political issues, including Arabian identity and a sense of dystopia. His work explores the struggles of identity and the notion that “Arabs are strangers everywhere,” offering a visual language for untold stories. Ali has exhibited with renowned galleries such as Ayyam (Jeddah), Mark Hachem (Beirut), and Galerie Nikki Diana Marquardt (Paris) and is currently represented by Hafez Gallery (Jeddah). Through his art, he creates spaces for dialogue, fostering discussions that bridge diverse disciplines and perspectives. Zef Zef is a Lebanese singer-songwriter, producer, and actor who began his journey as a busker on the streets of his hometown, Byblos. Since debuting his original music in 2019, he has released eight singles and a studio album. His hit song “El Bekle,” featuring Stephanie Atala, topped the Lebanese charts for weeks and remained on Middle Eastern charts for months. Known for his creativity, charisma, and emotional depth, Zef brings a fresh perspective to songwriting. An avid surfer and free-diver, Zef draws inspiration from his deep connection to the Mediterranean Sea and his resilient love for life, even amid Lebanon's daily challenges. Lara Zankoul Lara Zankoul is a Lebanese photographer renowned for her surreal fine art photography. Based in Beirut, she blends creativity, storytelling, and conceptual art to create thought-provoking images. Initially pursuing a background in economics, Zankoul shifted her focus to photography as a form of self-expression and artistic exploration. Her work is known for vibrant colors, intricate details, and dreamlike compositions that challenge viewers to engage with deeper narratives. Since 2014, Zankoul has showcased her work in numerous local and international exhibitions. Her diverse portfolio spans whimsical scenes, cultural themes, and fashion photography, with her captivating images featured in prominent publications like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Nourie Nourie Flayhan’s vibrant illustrations transport viewers into a magical world, blending memories of the past with hopes for the future. Known for bold colors, intricate patterns, and a focus on female characters, her work is more than visually striking—it carries deep emotion and calls for change. Born to Lebanese immigrants fleeing war and raised in Kuwait, Flayhan later attended art school in the UK. It was at Chelsea College of Arts in London, where she was the only Arab student in a class of British peers, that she struggled to find her unique voice. A mentor encouraged her to embrace her cultural differences, a push that unlocked her creative potential. Fouad Tadros Fouad is a fashion and beauty photographer based in Dubai, with a creative journey that began early through music and film. After studying at the Institute for Scenic, Audiovisual, and Cinematographic Studies (IESAV) in Beirut, he transitioned into fashion photography. His work is deeply influenced by extremes—contrast and color, theatricality and spontaneity, as well as harmony and dissonance. Fouad specializes in both editorial and commercial photography, often taking on creative direction in the projects he works on, bringing a distinctive artistic vision to each collaboration. Yasmina Hilal Yasmina Hilal is an emerging artist and full-time photographer, with a BA in Visual Media Arts and a minor in Photography from Emerson College. During her studies, she explored alternative techniques in the darkroom, which influenced her unique approach to scanning, printing, and manipulating images. Her work invites viewers to engage more deeply, moving through visual and emotional landscapes that shift yet remain grounded. Hilal has exhibited her work in group shows such as A Complex Embodiment (Los Angeles, 2021) and The Chemistry of Feeling (Dubai, 2021), and her photography has been featured in prominent publications like Harper's Bazaar Arabia , Dazed Magazine , Vice Arabia , and High Snobiety . She has also shot for brands such as Maison Pyramid, Roni Helou, and Fashion Trust Arabia. 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- Meet Peter E. The man who turned his love for super-cars into a ground braking design firm.
Peter E. is a New York based entrepreneur and car enthusiast of Egyptian origin. His love for cars was cultivated from him seeing his father trade cars and operate car dealerships. Another thing that was inspired by his father was his entrepreneurial prouse, he started his first business, which was a landscaping business at the age of 18. He then went on to grow his business and dabble into a few different opportunities while at it. When Maserati announced the release it's new MC20 super-car on the 20th of February in 2020, Eskander rushed to order one for himself. With the excitement that came with the new order, Eskander was looking through Instagram for concept kits on the brand new yet to be released MC20, which led to him founding his own design firm by the name 7 Design House and make his own MC20 kit. In this interview, Peter talks about the start of his entrepreneurial journey, how his love for cars came about, how he was able to cause a big buzz with his design firm and much more. Check Out 7 Design House at: https://www.instagram.com/_7designs/ https://www.7designhouse.com/ Follow us on: Instagram Facebook YouTube Make sure to share this post and subscribe to our newsletter to receive notifications on our latest posts, as well as exclusive content and much more!