Shadow of a Floating Figure

Hanaa Malallah (هنا مال الله), born in 1958 in Thee Qar, Iraq, is a prominent contemporary Iraqi artist known for her innovative mixed-media works that often address themes of war, destruction, and cultural memory. Malallah’s practice spans painting, assemblage, and installation, frequently utilizing found materials such as burnt canvas, wire, and wood—techniques she refers to as “the art of ruin.” Her work is deeply informed by her experiences in Iraq and her scholarly engagement with the history and philosophy of art, having earned a PhD from the University of Baghdad.

Malallah’s art has been exhibited internationally at major institutions, including the British Museum in London, the Arab World Institute in Paris, and the Barjeel Art Foundation in Sharjah. She has also participated in significant group exhibitions such as “Iraqi Art Today” at MATHAF: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha and “Told, Untold, Retold” at Mathaf. Her works are held in the collections of the British Museum and the Barjeel Art Foundation, underscoring her influence in both Middle Eastern and global contemporary art circles.

At auction, Malallah’s pieces have appeared at reputable houses such as Christie’s and Bonhams, reflecting growing recognition of her contributions to contemporary art. Now based in London, Hanaa Malallah continues to explore the intersections of materiality, memory, and the aftermath of conflict in her practice.