Family Portrait with Islamic Arch Decor, 1991

Fouad Jihad (فؤاد جهاد), born in Iraq in 1948 and passing in 2004, was a prominent Iraqi artist recognized for his contributions to modern Iraqi art. Jihad’s work spanned painting and sculpture, often reflecting the rich cultural heritage and complex social realities of Iraq. His style integrated elements of abstraction with figurative motifs, drawing on Mesopotamian iconography and contemporary artistic movements. Jihad’s art is noted for its expressive use of color and form, conveying both personal and collective narratives.

Throughout his career, Fouad Jihad participated in significant exhibitions within Iraq and the broader Middle Eastern art scene. His works were featured in major group shows at institutions such as the Iraqi Artists Association and the National Museum of Modern Art in Baghdad, where he was regarded as a key figure among his contemporaries. Jihad’s pieces have also appeared in reputable auctions, including sales at Christie’s and Bonhams, where his paintings and sculptures have attracted attention from collectors interested in modern Arab art. His legacy endures as part of the foundational generation that shaped Iraq’s modern art movement, and his works continue to be sought after in the regional and international art markets.