Figure Holding Small Form, 1997

Ismail Fatah Al Turk (إسماعيل فتاح الترك), born in Baghdad, Iraq in 1934 and passing away in 2004, was a prominent Iraqi sculptor and painter renowned for his significant contributions to modern Arab art. Al Turk was a leading figure in the Baghdad Modern Art Group, and his work is celebrated for blending Mesopotamian heritage with contemporary forms. He worked primarily in sculpture and painting, often using bronze and mixed media to create monumental public works that reflect Iraqi history and identity. Among his most famous creations is the Martyr’s Monument (Al-Shaheed Monument) in Baghdad, an iconic symbol of modern Iraq.

Al Turk’s works have been exhibited in major institutions, including the Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha and the Barjeel Art Foundation in Sharjah, which have both featured his pieces in group exhibitions highlighting the evolution of Iraqi and Arab modernism. His art has also appeared in international auctions at Christie’s and Bonhams, where his sculptures and paintings have achieved notable results, underscoring his enduring legacy and the high regard for his work among collectors and institutions alike. Al Turk’s artistic vision and public monuments continue to influence generations of artists in Iraq and the broader Middle East.