Hand With Rainbow Over Surreal Landscape, 1991

Qasem Wali is an Iraqi artist recognized for his contributions to contemporary art in Iraq, particularly through his work in painting and mixed media. Born in Baghdad in 1954, Wali’s artistic practice is characterized by a deep engagement with abstraction and symbolism, often reflecting on themes of memory, displacement, and the complexities of Iraqi identity. His compositions frequently employ layered textures and calligraphic elements, drawing from both modernist influences and traditional Middle Eastern aesthetics.

Wali has exhibited his work in several notable institutions, including the Iraqi Museum of Modern Art in Baghdad and the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris. His participation in group and solo exhibitions has helped to position him as a significant figure within the Iraqi and broader Arab art scenes. In addition to institutional recognition, Qasem Wali’s works have appeared at major auction houses such as Christie’s and Bonhams, where his paintings have attracted interest from collectors of Middle Eastern modern and contemporary art. His career reflects both the resilience and innovation of Iraqi artists working amid challenging historical circumstances.