Bronze Sculpture of Handala Character, 2011

Dia Azzawi (ضياء العزاوي), born in Baghdad, Iraq in 1939, is a leading figure in modern Arab art, renowned for his multidisciplinary practice spanning painting, sculpture, printmaking, and book art. Azzawi’s work is characterized by its vibrant palette, dynamic compositions, and integration of Arabic calligraphy and poetry, reflecting both his Iraqi heritage and broader themes of memory, exile, and cultural identity. He is often associated with the Hurufiyya movement, which sought to modernize Arabic visual culture by reinterpreting traditional scripts and motifs.

Azzawi’s art has been widely exhibited in major international institutions, including solo presentations at the Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha and the Barjeel Art Foundation in Sharjah. His works are held in the collections of the British Museum, Tate Modern, and the Centre Pompidou, underscoring his global significance. In the auction market, Azzawi has achieved notable results at leading houses such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s, with several works surpassing the million-dollar mark, affirming his status as one of the most sought-after contemporary artists from the Middle East. Throughout his prolific career, Dia Azzawi has played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of modern and contemporary art in the Arab world.