Ancient Symbols and Calligraphy on Tablet, 1992

Kareem Risan, born in Baghdad in 1960, is an Iraqi artist whose work deeply reflects the tumultuous history of his homeland. A graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Baghdad in 1988, Risan's artistic journey has been profoundly influenced by his experiences during the Gulf War and the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. His oeuvre spans painting, printmaking, and mixed media, often incorporating elements reminiscent of Mesopotamian artifacts and the war-torn landscapes of Iraq.

Risan has held solo exhibitions at esteemed venues such as the Museum of Modern Art in Baghdad (1992), Dar Al-Mashriq Gallery in Amman (1997), Al-Riwaq Gallery in Bahrain (2005), and Gallery Hittite in Toronto (2009). His participation in significant group exhibitions includes "Between the Tigris and Euphrates" at the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris (1988), "Word into Art" at the British Museum in London (2006), and "Iraqi Artists in Exile" at the Station Museum of Contemporary Art in Houston (2008). His works are part of prestigious collections, including Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha, the British Museum in London, and Darat al-Funun in Amman.

In 2006, Risan relocated to Toronto, Canada, where he continues to live and work. His art remains a poignant commentary on the enduring impact of conflict and displacement, serving as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit amidst adversity.