31, March 2025

Abstract and Expressionism in Modern Iraqi Art

VOLUME-11; ISSUE-3; MAR-2025

Author(s): Hasan Hadi Ensaif AL-Tufaili

Authors Affiliations:

Asst. Lecturer, Fine Arts College/ AL-Mustaqbal University, Babel/ Iraq

DOIs:10.2015/IJIRMF/202503028     |     Paper ID: IJIRMF202503028


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Modern Iraqi art is an important part of the cultural scene in the Middle East, reflecting the social and political transformations Iraq has undergone over the decades. This research focuses on analyzing the abstract and expressionist trends in modern Iraqi art by exploring their roots and mutual influences. It also discusses how these trends evolved under different historical and cultural contexts and the impact of prominent Iraqi artists in shaping these artistic styles.

The study relies on the descriptive-analytical method, reviewing previous literature and analyzing a selected group of artworks by prominent Iraqi artists. The study also considers the historical and social contexts that influenced the emergence of these trends, employing a comparative approach to explore the points of convergence and divergence between abstraction and expressionism in Iraqi art. The results indicate that the abstract trend in Iraq was influenced by Western modernism but retained local characteristics rooted in heritage symbols and geometric compositions. On the other hand, expressionism emerged as a reaction to political and social conditions, reflecting the pain and turmoil experienced by Iraqi artists. The research shows that many Iraqi artists were able to innovatively blend the two styles, enriching the Iraqi art scene. The study concludes that abstraction and expressionism were not merely artistic movements but profound expressive tools for Iraqi reality. Both trends contributed to preserving cultural identity amidst violent changes. The research recommends further in-depth studies on the impact of globalization and digital technology on the development of these styles in contemporary Iraqi art.
Modern Iraqi Art, Abstraction in Iraqi Art, Expressionism in Iraqi Art, Art Schools in Iraq, Pioneers of Iraqi Fine Art, Interaction between Abstraction and Expressionism, Cultural Influences on Iraqi Art, Impact of Wars on Iraqi Art, Contemporary Challenges for Iraqi Art, Globalization and Fine Arts.

Hasan Hadi Ensaif(2025); Abstract and Expressionism in Modern Iraqi Art, International Journal for Innovative Research in Multidisciplinary Field, ISSN(O): 2455-0620, Vol-11, Issue-3, Pp.177-185.          Available on –   https://www.ijirmf.com/

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