Said Chanin

Said Shanin, born in 1963 in Baghdad, Iraq, is a distinguished painter known for his evocative depictions of daily life and cultural heritage. He graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad in 1986, where he studied under prominent artists. Following his graduation, Shanin served in the military and later returned to his alma mater as an instructor in drawing and color theory from 1991 to 1996.

Shanin's artistic oeuvre is characterized by themes of nature, women, childhood, traditional cafés, old alleyways, and heritage crafts. His work often incorporates symbols from these subjects, reflecting a deep connection to his cultural roots. He has held numerous solo exhibitions both within Iraq and internationally, earning recognition and awards for his contributions to the art world. In the 1980s, he was a founding member of the "Gypsy Caravan of Arts and Literature," a collective that resisted the prevailing cultural narratives by promoting pure artistic expression through poetry, painting, and music.

In the mid-1990s, Shanin relocated to Amman, Jordan, where he continues to reside. In addition to teaching art in his studio, he works with a global company specializing in 3D graphics. Despite the challenges faced by Iraqi artists in exile, Shanin remains committed to his craft and maintains a strong connection to the artistic community in Iraq.