Mohammad Ghani Hikmat

Mohammad Ghani Hikmat (محمد غني حكمت, also transliterated as Mohammed Ghani Hikmat) was a renowned Iraqi sculptor born in Baghdad in 1929 and passed away in 2011. Widely celebrated as one of Iraq’s most influential modern artists, Hikmat is best known for his large-scale public sculptures that blend traditional Iraqi motifs with modernist sensibilities. Working primarily in bronze, he created iconic works such as the "Al-Shaheed Monument" (in collaboration with Ismail Fattah), "The Fountain of Kahramana," and "The Statue of Scheherazade and Shahryar," which have become landmarks in Baghdad’s urban landscape. His style is characterized by a synthesis of Mesopotamian heritage and contemporary form, often drawing inspiration from folklore, mythology, and the everyday life of Iraq.

Hikmat’s work has been exhibited in major institutions, including the Iraqi Museum of Modern Art and international venues such as the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris. He was a central figure in the Baghdad Modern Art Group and played a significant role in shaping Iraq’s post-war artistic identity. At auction, his sculptures have appeared at leading houses such as Christie’s Dubai, where his bronze works have achieved notable results, reflecting his enduring legacy and the high regard in which his art is held by collectors and institutions alike. Hikmat’s contributions continue to influence generations of artists in Iraq and the broader Arab world.