Marble Torso on Wooden Plinth

Abdel Kareem Khaleel (عبد الكريم خليل), born in Iraq in 1960, is a contemporary Iraqi artist whose work spans painting and mixed media. Khaleel is recognized for his exploration of Iraqi heritage and modern identity, often incorporating motifs from Mesopotamian history and Arabic calligraphy into his compositions. His style blends abstraction with figurative elements, reflecting both the tumultuous history of his homeland and a search for cultural continuity.

Khaleel’s works have been exhibited in several notable group and solo exhibitions across the Middle East, including prominent galleries in Baghdad and Amman. His art has also been featured in institutional shows highlighting modern Iraqi art, contributing to the broader narrative of post-1960s Iraqi artistic movements. At auction, Khaleel’s paintings have appeared at reputable houses such as Christie’s Dubai, where his pieces have attracted attention from collectors interested in Middle Eastern modernism. His contributions are seen as part of the ongoing dialogue within Iraqi art, bridging traditional influences with contemporary expression.