This encounter with Iraqi artist Dia Azzawi will feature a presentation of his installation 'Wounded Soul'. Regarding the artwork's symbolism, Azzawi says that the horse represents 'an essential element in traditional narratives. It embodies the destruction caused by strife and the loss of thousands of innocent Iraqis to absurd wars which dragged the country to occupation, casualties and battles.' Moreover, the artist pays tribute through this work to the anonymously assassinated 450 Iraqi academics. He clarifies that their assassination was 'a mere continuation of the American occupation's mission, which was followed by identity-based killing and thousands of prisoners.'

Born in 1939, Dia Azzawi is an Iraqi artist who is now living and working in London. A pioneer of modern Arab art, Azzawi's body of work spans over forty years. His art draws inspiration from his homeland and covers a range of subjects executed in a variety of media including painting, sculpture, prints and drawings.

This talk is part of 'Iraqisms', a series of artistic and cultural events, organised by Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung - Beirut Office in partnership with Dar El-Nimer for Arts and Culture and curated by Rasha Salah.