RAFA AL NASIRI
The present collection of paintings –mixed media on canvas- by the renowned Iraqi painter and printmaker, Rafa al Nasiri, have been selected from three main themes worked on by the artist during the period 2008-2010. “Bawabat” 2008, “Homage to Baghdad” 2009 and “Ibn Zaidoun” 2010, basically share the same incentive and feeling; a painful nostalgia for the great loss of Homeland. Bawabat (gates) may be taken as a symbol of a Homeland ravaged and demolished by the world Super Powers, while “Homage to Baghdad” is a theme inspired by the present state of deterioration of the beautiful and advanced city “Baghdad” to which the artist is passionately devoted. Ibn Zaidoun Andalusia most renowned poets known for his love to Wallada, the poetess princess, represents the loss of a great love and the loss of a great Arab Islamic civilization.
“No matter how he composes it… with whatever elements he incorporates in it… they are just so balanced, graceful, pure and project a sense of serenity… simply awesome” ab