Dark Figures Over Ancient Map, 1973

Ardash Kakafian (1941–1999) was an Iraqi painter of Armenian descent, born in Mosul. He became the youngest member of the Baghdad Modern Art Group, joining at the age of fifteen. In 1961, he moved to Paris to study architecture, later enrolling at the École des Beaux-Arts to pursue his passion for art.

Kakafian's work is characterized by a fusion of Impressionist techniques and elements from the Al-Wasiti Abbasid School, resulting in expressive lines and vibrant colors. He explored various mediums, including wood printing, engraving, and lithography. Notably, he collaborated with poet Adonis on the book "Ararat," combining Adonis's texts with his lithographs.

Throughout his career, Kakafian held numerous exhibitions in Baghdad and Paris. In 1967, he had his first solo exhibition at the Four Winds Gallery in Paris. He received the first prize from the Salon d’Automne in Paris in 1971 and was mentioned in the French Encyclopedia Larousse in 1975. His works have been auctioned internationally, with prices ranging from $1,015 to $27,500, the latter achieved for an untitled piece sold at Christie's Dubai in 2014. Kakafian passed away in Paris in 1999, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence contemporary art.