Hewar Art Gallery: A Timeless Beacon of Hope

Within the graceful confines of a building that has witnessed the passage of numerous lives—much like the resilient city it calls home—resides a collection of vintage artworks that transport visitors to a dreamy realm steeped in history, spanning over three decades. Hewar Art Gallery, founded in Baghdad in 1992 by Qassim Al-Sabtti, the current head of the Iraqi Plastic Artists Society, emerged during a time of political turmoil and upheaval in Iraq. Within this transformed space, once belonging to the Turkish ambassador, artists found solace and sanctuary, forming a vibrant community where their conversations and ideas once echoed through the walls, now adorned with their artworks.

The gallery proudly presents over 20 original artworks, encompassing paintings, sketches, and sculptures, showcasing the pioneering figures of Iraq's modern art scene. Esteemed artists such as Faeq Hassan, Rakan Dabdoub, Nuri Al-Rawi, and many others grace the walls of Hewar's newest gallery titled "Pioneers and Others," offering a glimpse into the nation's rich heritage and artistic legacy.

Ahmed Al-Sabtti, the man behind the scenes and the current manager of Hewar, passionately carries the torch passed down by his father. He affirms their mission to educate the younger generation about the profound history of Iraq's modern art. "We are on a mission," he declares with a blend of kindness and conviction.

“Our mission is to educate the up and coming generation on the history of Iraqi modern art through a series of galleries revisiting the most prominent artists of each decade such as the 80s and 90s, we also plan on posting educational content on our social media platforms and conducting free art workshops on weekly basis.“

Curiosity prompts the question about the challenges Ahmed faces as a gallery manager in Iraq. With a sigh, he acknowledges the difficulty of promoting the culture of investing in artwork. "Original artworks hold immense value; they are investments in both art and culture. Our challenge lies in raising awareness about their significance," he laments.

A brief pause fills the air as we both sip our tea, contemplating the path ahead. "Ahmed," I gently address him, "when it comes to the future of Iraq's art scene and cultural landscape, do you hold hope in your heart?"

His reply is immediate and resolute, "I firmly believe that artists possess an innate resilience, unwavering positivity, and an unyielding hope in the face of adversity. Even during the days of economic blockade, when paint was forbidden to enter Iraq, artists found ingenious ways to create, extracting colors from natural sources or repurposing old paint mixed with kerosene. Artists never lose hope."

Moved by his unwavering faith, I share my profound admiration. "People like you inspire tremendous hope in us all," I confide. Ahmed's joyful giggle dances through the air, echoing off the walls of this historic venue, reminding us of the enduring spirit that dwells within these hallowed halls.