Yaseen Attieh

Yasin Atia (1963–2013) was an Iraqi artist known for his abstract expressionist paintings that often explored themes of human emotion and existential reflection. Born in Baghdad, he began his artistic journey by participating in international youth festivals in Beijing and Riyadh in 1983. His early career was interrupted by a politically motivated imprisonment from 1984 to 1988. Upon release, he pursued formal education at the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad, graduating in 1993. During this period, he exhibited at the Babylon International Festival and held a joint exhibition at the Saddam Center for Arts in 1991.

In 1994, Atia relocated to Amman, Jordan, where he held a solo exhibition at Baladna Gallery. By 1998, he had moved to Denmark, immersing himself in the European art scene and participating in various exhibitions, including those at the Spanish Cultural Institute in Amman and venues across Denmark. His works were characterized by a unique use of color and form, reflecting his experiences and the complexities of human existence.

Tragically, during a visit to Baghdad in 2013, Atia was killed in a bombing while having breakfast at a local restaurant. His untimely death was a significant loss to the art community, both in Iraq and internationally.