InfoAnda - Art flowers again in Iraq as violence ebbs

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

ABC adopts drama with Taye Diggs | 30 October 2010
Less gaudy stats in week 3, but Panthers' Newton excels in deep passing game | 27 September 2011
Seoul shares open higher; banks, airlines rise | 3 November 2008

Jackson ticket site gets half billion hits: official | 4 July 2009

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Art flowers again in Iraq as violence ebbs

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Asia Pacific World Search Search: Art flowers again in Iraq as violence ebbs AFP - Monday, March 9 BAGHDAD (AFP) - - Six years after the US-led invasion, art galleries are reopening in Baghdad in the first signs of a renaissance in what was long a cultural capital of the Arab world. ADVERTISEMENT As they did for centuries before, Iraqi artists are again showing the way, taking advantage of the reduction in sectarian bombings to rebuild a proud tradition. Galleries in the capital, whether owned privately or by the ministry of culture, have launched a new four-month season of exhibitions, reviving a practice which began in the 1950s but then fell victim to the invasion. "The galleries are showing a remarkable return to a high level of activity," Salah Abbas, who sits on the independent Plastic Artists commission, told AFP. The plastic arts use materials that can be shaped. "We have received dozens of requests to open galleries in Baghdad and other cities," said Abbas, editor of Tashkeel, the culture ministry's magazine. "We will do it with the cooperation of the culture ministry," he added, although artists are not being subsidised by the government. Abbas said falling levels of violence across much of the country had a "psychological impact on both the artists and art lovers who visit the galleries." February saw 258 Iraqis killed after 191 died in January, the lowest official casualty figures since the 2003 war. The past year saw a dramatic improvement in the security situation. In 2008, 6,772 Iraqis died in the violence, but in January 2007 alone there were 2,087 killed. "The galleries suffered badly and were forced to close their doors. So artists resorted to foreign galleries to market their works," Abbas said. "But now the scene is greatly changed and galleries are reopening." Before the invasion in March 2003, Baghdad alone boasted some 60 galleries. However only three battled on after the toppling of Saddam Hussein's regime -- Hewar, Akad and Madarat, along with the individual studios of a small number of painters. Today exhibitions are being held of the works of leading Iraqi artists Alaa al-Hamdani, Sattar Luqman and Monther Ali. More artists are due to exhibit in the city shortly. "The large number of different cultural activities that are going on, including the plastic arts, reflect Iraqi yearning for culture, art and literature", Abbas said. Writers and poets hold weekly meetings, and in October last year Baghdad's National Theatre staged its first evening performances since the invasion. In the south, Basra and Hilla each boast three galleries which are now open, as do the northern cities of Arbil and Sulaimaniyah. Sculptor Monther Ali believes the improved security situation is encouraging people to go out more. "The opportunity to set up galleries is there now and it's easier to travel," the 61-year-old said. "Psychology plays a major part in motivating people to visit art galleries." Ali currently has an exhibition called "A Memory in Baghdad" at the Madarat gallery, near the fine arts school. He said he felt the city was "a lush garden before it was subjected to violence and destruction. We want intimacy and peace after what Baghdad suffered for more than five years." His wood carvings depict women who fell victim to violence, fear or the horror of seeing mutilated bodies. At the Akad gallery on Abu Nawas street, artist Sattar Luqman has his third recent exhibition running. The more than 30 works reflect his fascination with the ordinary details of life in Baghdad and traditions that time has effaced. Luqman, 65, a graduate of the capital's school of fine arts and a member of the Plastic Artists commission, held an exhibition in Kuwait back in 1971 well before Saddam's rule led Iraq into seemingly endless war. Luqman, whose work is part of the Iraq museum collection, was also involved in Iraqi art shows in Dubai in 2004 and 2008. Qassim Sabti, who owns Hewar gallery, said he warned colleagues against showing their work in recent years for fear of reprisals. "I warned everybody and I told them that I'm not responsible for anything that may happen to them," he said. "The situation has changed now. The gallery has started to witness a remarkable spurt of activity in terms of holding exhibitions," added Sabti, deputy head of the artists' commission. "The latest one is for the artist Alaa al-Hamdani. We are also ready to receive the well-known artist Faruq Hassan on the 10th of the current month." Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: Entertainment & Lifestyle Grand Ole Opry member Hank Locklin dies in Ala.AP - 55 minutes ago U2 announces concert dates for European tourAP - 1 hour 1 minute ago Metallica singer Hetfield hospitalized in SwedenAP - 1 hour 16 minutes ago Iggy Pop releasing 'quieter' album with French touchAFP - 1 hour 51 minutes ago Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns losing GM backingAP - Tuesday, March 10 Enlarge Photo An Iraqi man walks past paintings displayed at an art gallery in the Karrada district of Baghdad, on March 1. Six years after the US-led invasion, art galleries are reopening in Baghdad in the first signs of a renaissance in what was long a cultural capital of the Arab world. Most Popular – Entertainment Viewed US calls on G20 to help bolster int'l demand: report Russian media teases Clinton over 'reset' button GM, Canadian union agree to wage, pension freeze Business groups slam German nationalisation bill Bleak jobs report dampens hopes for US recovery View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Monday, 9 March 2009
Iran test-fires new missile: media | International |
Tsvangirai's wife to be buried on Wednesday | International |
Developing world may need $700 billion: World Bank | International |
Madagascar soldiers mutiny, opposition head hides | International |
Ships idle in Philippine port as global trade slows | International |
Watchmen hits big time at box office | Entertainment |
Sudan frees Islamist opposition leader
U.S. to cut Iraq troop strength by 12,000
Sudan frees Islamist opposition leader | International |
Iran reportedly test-fires new missile
Tension high on Korean peninsula amid military drills | International |
US calls on G20 to help bolster int'l demand: report
US says 12,000 troops to leave Iraq by September
EU finance ministers to back doubling of IMF funds at G20 | International |
China strengthens Tibet frontier to deter unrest | International |
GM, Canadian union agree to wage, pension freeze
Plane crashes into lake, 7 feared dead: Uganda | International |
Former Israeli president to be charged with rape
Obama adds senior staff to Treasury's thin ranks
Most voters want Japan opposition head to quit: poll | International |
Israel believes Iran can build nuclear weapons
Zimbabwe's Tsvangirai treated in Botswana after road crash
India's main opposition bloc loses key ally | International |
White House announces three Treasury picks
Kangaroo intruder terrorizes Aussie sleeping family | International |
GM reaches deal with Canadian Auto Workers
Gunman stuns US churchgoers, kills pastor
China Mobile in talks with Taiwan firms on roaming services | Technology |
China Mobile in talks with Taiwan firms on roaming services
Sarkozy denies Mexico is a 'failed state'
Real IRA 'claims killing of British soldiers' in N Ireland
Real IRA claims responsibility for N.Ireland killings: journalist
Watchmen falls short of expected box office take | Entertainment |
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz moves into Melrose Place | Entertainment |
Iraq war play scoops four Olivier theatre awards | Entertainment |
Rita Wilson joining Streep and Baldwin in movie | Entertainment |
Kangaroo hops into bed with startled Aussie family
Morgan, Lawrence join Chris Rock for Funeral | Entertainment |
NKorea threatens 'war' if satellite is shot down
Chinese state media says blasts damage police cars
Deadly violence taints China's village elections
Rita Wilson joining Streep and Baldwin in movie
China says Navy expansion "no threat to others"
Japan's Nikkei index closes at 26-year low
Protest in Tibetan area of China, police targeted: state media
Seoul shares rise led by LG Display, brokerages
Malaysian economy 'buckling' in global slump: Anwar
Asia capital losses at 9.6 trillion dollars in 2008: ADB
Pakistani troops kill 15 militants in northwest
ADB: $50 trillion wiped off world financial assets
Four children killed in Philippine fire
Japan logs record current account deficit
India looks to host the 'B and B' Games in 2010
Indian city to build toilets for transgender people: report
Hundreds halted at border after NKorea shuts phone lines
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz moves into "Melrose Place"
Korea Hot Stocks-Samsung C&T gains; Pharma shares rally
Film-maker to plan China 60th anniversary fireworks: state media
S.Korea says banks' capital ratios in better condition
Jackie Chan starts shooting historical epic
Taiwan dollar flat ahead of exports data
Morgan, Lawrence join Chris Rock for "Funeral"
Japan posts record current account deficit
Rita Wilson joining Streep and Baldwin in movie
"Watchmen" falls short of expected box office take
Obama leads birthday salute to Ted Kennedy
Iraq war play scoops four Olivier theatre awards
Dries Van Noten showcases classic winter coats
Indonesian porn law turns off folk dancers
Brown says killings will not stop N.Irish progress | International |
First stone laid at razed refugee camp in Lebanon
Violence flares on Pakistani border with Afghanistan | International |
Captured Israeli's parents set up protest camp
Peace with Israel possible, says Syria's Assad | International |
Rights group demands freeze on West Bank quarries
Tsvangirai rules out foul play in car crash | International |
World stocks spiral lower on fresh financial woes
Syria's Assad says peace with Israel possible
Obama to reverse Bush limits on stem cell research
Iraqi army called in to patch up a ruined nation | International |
Thai judge to end Merchant of Death hearing soon | International |
Nokia takes on Apple in online software arms race | Technology |
Palm moves to bolster capital ahead of Pre launch | Technology |
'Swiss Gigolo' jailed for blackmailing BMW heiress
Kirk Douglas in courageous return to spotlight | Entertainment |
Winehouse unable to make U.S. gig after assault case | Entertainment |
Western envoys see cracks in Nepal's peace process
Iraq war play scoops four Olivier theater awards | Entertainment |
China's Hu urges stability in Tibet
Watchmen rules overseas boxoffice | Entertainment |
China's Hu demands wall of stability in Tibet
Blasts rock Tibetan area as China ups security
Taiwan's detained ex-leader eyes new independence party
Hollywood image behind Berlusconi's staying power: author
Pakistan targets 100 bln rupees in T-bill auction
NKorea puts military on full combat alert
Ansaldo STS gets 220 mln euro order for Taipei metro
NKorean leader Kim re-elected to parliament
Satyam starts bidding process for 51% stake sale
Sri Lanka army: 80 rebels dead in northern battles
Taiwan exports fall for sixth straight month
Bomb kills 1 Canadian soldier in Afghanistan
France's BNP Paribas to leave Tokyo bourse
Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns losing GM backing
HSBC plunges over 24 percent to near 14-year low
Russia's Eurovision song stirs criticism
New Taiwan port seen boosting tech, regional transit
'Black Watch' wins big at theater's Olivier Awards
Winehouse unable to make U.S. gig after assault case
SKorean bank seeks 300 mln dlrs overseas loans
Cast member of popular SKorean TV show found dead
S.Korea building permits skid on economic downturn
Hello I'm Kosmos: Patriotic names in Russian comeback
Hollywood image behind Berlusconi's staying power: author
Kirk Douglas in courageous return to spotlight
Art flowers again in Iraq as violence ebbs
"Watchmen" rules overseas boxoffice
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01