Iraq's Friends of Art Association
By the 1940s, Iraqi artists were searching for an “Iraqi” character in art by adopting modern techniques.
Picnic by Faik HASSANIbrahimi Collection
Formation of the Friends of Art Association
By the 1940s, Iraqi artists searched for an “Iraqi” character in art by adopting modern techniques.
Here, the artists called for forming the Friends of Art Association, which was founded in 1941 and continued until 1948.
A Mosque in Baghdad by Akram SHUKRIIbrahimi Collection
It was founded by the artist Akram Shukri (1910-1983).
In a lecture by Akram Shukri in 1941, after having been selected as the first president of the association,” he stated that “while we have an active art movement in Iraq today, I do not believe that there is an “Iraqi school” or “character.”
Still Life by Hafidh AL-DROUBIIbrahimi Collection
He also outlined that “the character of art will come to fruition with the growth of the personality of a society able to encompass art”.
"Friends of Art Association" included all of the artists: Abdul Qadir Rassam (1882-1952), Issa Hanna Dabsih (1919-2006), Ata Sabri (1913-1987), Hafidh Al-Droubi (1914-1991), Faik Hassan (1914-1992), Suad Selim (1918-2001).
Harbor Workers on the Nile (1947) by Faraj ABBOIbrahimi Collection
It also included Jewad Selim (1919-1961), Faraj Abbo (1921-1984), Khaleel Al-Ward (1923-1984), Said Ali Madhloom (1921-2017).
Bahjat Abbosh (1914-1982), Seddeq Ahmed (1915-1997), Kahtan Awni (1926 -1972), among many others.
Portrait of artist Naziha Selim (1951) by Jewad SELIMIbrahimi Collection
However, the idea of artistic privacy remained somewhat ambiguous and varied in its understanding.
Perhaps this is because most of those who joined the Friends of Art Association believe that art is merely conveying and depicting reality.
And that conveying the Iraqi environment is sufficient to give their works a stamp of identity.
Two Bulls (1966) by Kalid AL-RAHHALIbrahimi Collection
In its most influential role, the modern art movement started with the leading teachers: Faik Hassan, Jewad Selim, Shakir Hassan Al-Said, Hafidh Al-Droubi, Khalid Al-Rahhal, and Mahmoud Sabri.
Explore the wonders of Ibrahimi Collection more by checking out the 3-part exhibit series: Creative and Inspiring Women Artists of Iraq
