Ali Al-Najjar

In a Few Words

Born in: Baghdad, Iraq

Lives in: Malmö, Sweden

Background: Al-Najjar is a prominent artist and critic who graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts in 1961, where he was mentored by renowned Iraqi artist Faeq Hassan

Style & Media: Blending realism, abstraction, and fantasy, with a particular focus on color, Al-Najjar employs various techniques across different media.

Themes: Profound explorations of the human experience are intertwined with cultural, social, and emotional themes drawn from both his personal journey and broader societal interactions.

In a Few More Words

Ali Al-Najjar, born in 1940 in Baghdad, is a highly regarded Iraqi artist and critic. He graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts in 1961, where he was mentored by some of Iraq's most influential artists, including Jawad Salim and Faeq Hassan. His career spans decades of artistic innovation, during which he showcased his works in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide, including in Iraq, Sweden, Russia, and Lebanon. Al-Najjar's art is known for its rich combination of realism, abstraction, and fantasy, all underpinned by his exceptional use of color.

Beyond his visual art, Al-Najjar is a respected art critic, having written extensively about both Arab and international artists. His critical works have significantly contributed to the discourse on contemporary art in the Arab world. His ability to intertwine visual expression with cultural and social themes reflects a deep understanding of the human experience, making him a significant figure in both Iraqi and global art scenes. Al-Najjar continues to live and work in Malmö, Sweden, where he remains a key figure in the Southern Sweden Artists Association.

Key Exhibitions & Auctions

SOLO EXHIBITIONS

"Legends of Innocence", Saddam Art Center, Baghdad, Iraq (1992)

Solo exhibition, Tapper-Popermajer Gallery, Malmö, Sweden (2001)

GROUP EXHIBITIONS

Contemporary Iraqi Art Exhibition, National Museum of Modern Art, Baghdad, Iraq (1972)

First Arab Biennale, National Museum of Modern Art, Baghdad, Iraq (1974)

Third Cairo Biennale, Cairo Opera House Art Gallery, Cairo, Egypt (1988)

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