"before. after. now - Visions of Iraq"
2003-09-05 until 2003-09-13
Deluxe-Arts Gallery and Creative Space
London, , UK United Kingdom

The exhibition before. after. now - Visions of Iraq will show new works created by artists living and working in Iraq. This will be the first time audiences in the UK will have a chance to see new  art made within Iraq, since the war. The pieces from Iraq have all been made over the past three years and include untitled Śwar diaries? by the artists Hana mal-Allah, Nazar Yahya and Karim Rissin, recording their experiences in Baghdad. Also a series by photographer Shamsi Al-Din Amin from 2000. The black and white photographs record everyday life in Kirkuk; they were shot on expired ex-army film and painstakingly hand printed, with many shots captured secretly due to the restrictions on photography in the area.

Other works on show include painting, sculpture and film made by Iraqi artists working in the UK. Many have never been exhibited before in this country including Dia Azzawi's series of charcoal drawings made during the Gulf War, "Belad al Sawad'.

Rashad Salim, co-curator and artist says ?Even under Saddam, Iraqi art broke through to speak with great clarity, beauty and depth. These artists are the key to understanding. It is a living culture, not just the remains of archaeology.

The exhibition is part of a wider series of events celebrating Iraqi culture including a music performance, a poetry reading and a dance workshop.

Artists based in Iraq are: Hana Mal-Allah (mixed media), Karim Rissin (mixed media), Nazar Yahya (mixed media), Shamsi Al-Din Amin (photographer). UK artists are: Jananne al-Ani (film), Dia Azzawi (painter), Koutaiba al-Janabi (film), Ali Mandalawi (mixed media), Yousif Naser (painter), Rebwar (painter), Rashad Salim (mixed media).

Hana Mal Allah .
Signs & Symbols
Mixed media on paper
90 x 90cm . 2001

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