Geometric Forms on Textured Panels, 2002

Mohammad Al Shammarey (محمد الشمري), born in Baghdad, Iraq in 1962, is a prominent contemporary artist recognized for his evocative mixed-media works that often explore themes of memory, displacement, and the enduring impact of conflict. Al Shammarey’s practice spans painting, photography, and installation, frequently incorporating found objects and calligraphic elements to reflect on his personal experiences and the broader Iraqi narrative. His visual language is marked by a restrained palette and layered textures, evoking both the fragility and resilience of cultural identity.

Al Shammarey’s work has been exhibited in significant international venues, including the British Museum in London, which holds his pieces in its permanent collection, and the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris. He has also participated in group exhibitions at the Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha and the Barjeel Art Foundation in Sharjah, further establishing his reputation within the Middle Eastern and global art scenes. At auction, his works have appeared at major houses such as Christie’s, where they have attracted attention for their poignant engagement with Iraq’s recent history and their sophisticated materiality. Al Shammarey continues to live and work between Iraq and Europe, contributing to the discourse on contemporary Iraqi art through both his creative output and his participation in international exhibitions.