Bird on Yellow Arch with Fish, 1999

Alaa Bashir (علاء بشير), born in 1939 in Iraq, is a prominent Iraqi artist and sculptor known for his expressive works that bridge the realms of painting and sculpture. Bashir’s artistic practice is characterized by a focus on the human figure, often rendered with a sense of psychological depth and emotional intensity. His style blends elements of realism with surreal and symbolic motifs, reflecting both his medical background as a plastic surgeon and his engagement with the complexities of the human condition.

Bashir’s work has been exhibited in significant institutional venues, including the Baghdad Museum of Modern Art and international galleries in Europe and the Middle East. He is recognized for his contributions to the development of modern Iraqi art, and his pieces are held in both public and private collections. Notably, his sculptures and paintings have appeared in major auctions at Christie’s, underscoring his status within the global art market and the enduring appeal of his oeuvre among collectors of Middle Eastern art.

Throughout his career, Alaa Bashir has maintained a dual identity as both an artist and a physician, which informs the anatomical precision and psychological nuance of his work. His legacy is marked by a commitment to exploring themes of suffering, resilience, and the human spirit, making him a significant figure in contemporary Iraqi art.