Iraqioon - Dia Azzawi عراقيون - ضياء العزاوي

Author Ricardo Karam

Dia Azzawi is an Iraqi visual artist often regarded as one of the pioneers of modern Arab art. Born in Baghdad in 1939, he started his artistic career in 1964. In 1969, Azzawi and other compatriot artists formed the New Vision group with the idea of uniting artists ideologically and expressed a form that was deemed anti-stylistic. Azzawi found inspiration in contemporary issues and particularly, the plight of the Palestinians. From 1968, based in Baghdad, he served as director of the Iraqi Antiquities Department. He has lived in London since 1976, where he served as advisor to the Iraqi Cultural Centre. Dia continues to exhibit internationally. His important works can be found in private and public collections.

In “Iraqioon” series, Ricardo Karam decided to dedicate a show to remarkable Iraqis who defeated wars and extremism with excellence and success. He aimed at providing Arab and Iraqi youth a glimmer of hope and confidence in their ability to outshine despite the tragedies and crises surrounding.