Abla Azzawi

Abla al-Azzawi (1935–2016) was a pioneering Iraqi ceramic artist renowned for her contributions to modern Iraqi art. Born in Baghdad, she became the first woman to graduate from the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad, specializing in ceramics. Al-Azzawi furthered her studies at the National Institute of Fine Arts and Applied Arts in Bourges, France. Her work is characterized by a deep engagement with Iraq's rich heritage, often drawing inspiration from ancient Mesopotamian art and traditional Baghdadi motifs.

Throughout her career, al-Azzawi participated in numerous exhibitions both domestically and internationally, showcasing her art in cities such as Caracas, Vienna, London, and New York. In 1982, she completed a monumental ceramic mural depicting the city of Baghdad, installed at the Real Estate Bank in the Karkh district. This work, measuring 9.60 by 4.20 meters, was enlarged and glazed in Italy. In 1986, she established "Abla's Art Hall" in Baghdad's Ghazaliya district, where she held her eighth solo exhibition. Her fourteenth solo exhibition took place at the Cultural Center in Paris in 2002.

Al-Azzawi's dedication to ceramics and her commitment to preserving and innovating within Iraq's artistic traditions have left a lasting impact on the country's art scene. She passed away in 2016 at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.