Woman, Bird, and Floating Camels, 1995

Hassan Abd Alwan (1945–2013) was an Iraqi artist renowned for his evocative paintings that blend traditional themes with contemporary techniques. Born in Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar province, he completed his studies at the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad in 1965. His work is characterized by a unique fusion of realism and surrealism, often drawing inspiration from folklore and mythology. Recurring motifs in his art include women with wide, expressive eyes, birds, and elements of traditional Iraqi architecture like "shanasheel" (ornate wooden balconies), reflecting a deep connection to his cultural heritage.

Throughout his career, Abd Alwan held numerous solo exhibitions, notably at the Czech Cultural Center in Baghdad (1966) and the National Museum of Modern Art in Baghdad (1970). He participated in significant group exhibitions, such as the Contemporary Iraqi Art Exhibition in Kuwait (1971) and the Baghdad International Festival for Plastic Arts (1986). His international presence was marked by participation in festivals in Tunisia, where he won the festival medal in 2000, and in Jordan, where he held a solo exhibition titled "A Thousand and One Nights" at Foresight Art Gallery in Amman in 2005.

Abd Alwan's works have been offered at auction multiple times, with realized prices ranging from $256 to $1,280, depending on the size and medium of the artwork. Since 2019, the record price for his art at auction is $1,280 for an untitled piece sold at Freeman’s | Hindman Chicago in 2019. He was a member of the Iraqi Plastic Artists Association, the Iraqi Artists Syndicate, and the International Association of Fine Arts. Abd Alwan passed away in Baghdad on November 9, 2013, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence contemporary Iraqi art.