Two Faces in Blue Green Tones, 1993

Qasem Al Sabti (قاسم السبطى), born in 1952 in Baghdad, Iraq, is a prominent contemporary Iraqi artist known for his evocative mixed-media works and paintings. Al Sabti’s practice often explores themes of memory, destruction, and resilience, reflecting the turbulent history of his homeland. His art is characterized by the use of found materials and layered surfaces, creating textured compositions that evoke both personal and collective narratives. Al Sabti is also recognized for his role in the Iraqi art community, notably as the founder of Hewar Art Gallery in Baghdad, which has served as a vital platform for Iraqi artists since the 1990s.

Al Sabti’s work has been exhibited in significant institutional settings, including the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris and the Sharjah Art Museum, highlighting his influence beyond Iraq. His participation in group exhibitions such as “Baghdad: Eye’s Delight” at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha further underscores his standing in the regional art scene. At auction, Al Sabti’s works have appeared at major houses, including Christie’s Dubai, where his paintings have attracted attention from collectors interested in modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art. Through his artistic practice and cultural initiatives, Qasem Al Sabti remains a central figure in the narrative of Iraqi art.