Baghdad, Iraq. “Those who have the courage to innovate will one day see themselves become one of the greats.”
This is the guiding principle of Ziyad Jassam, a remarkable figure whose work spans painting, sculpture, and installation. I met him recently to explore his journey, his philosophy, and the stories behind some of his most iconic pieces.
Who Is Ziyad Jassam?
Ziyad Jassam discovered his artistic gift as a child, encouraged by those around him who admired his drawings. This early recognition fuelled his dedication. He went on to study at the Institute of Fine Arts, graduating top of his class, and then continued to the College of Fine Arts, entering as an advanced student.
His foundation was in drawing, a discipline he distinguishes sharply from art. “A painter has technical mastery—colour, proportion, anatomy, perspective—but the output remains tied to reality. A true artist, by contrast, has imagination, and create new realities with unconventional techniques and materials,” he explains.
Unconventional Inspiration
While his professors shaped his early journey, Ziyad was later inspired by international artists who challenged conventional norms. From Pablo Picasso and his multifaceted work in pottery, murals, and drawings, to Christo and his transformative environmental installations with wrapped objects, the artist absorbed lessons in creativity and audience engagement.
“I wanted to know why he became famous worldwide even though he didn’t create anything handmade! He made the viewer try to decipher the message: why is something wrapped? What’s inside? He initiated a conversation,” he comments.
“Moment of Love”: An Exhibition on Intimacy
One of Ziyad’s early solo exhibitions in Paris, Moment of Love, centred on the intimate gestures of affection often considered taboo in Middle Eastern society.
‘The idea was that for us, in the Middle East in general, kissing has something shameful in it. I started to think: why even at home in front of our children, we don’t show affection, despite it being something beautiful?” he asks.
Kisses and hugs between couples are very rarely depicted explicitly. But through expressionistic techniques, the artist veiled these moments—behind curtains, rain, or umbrellas—inviting viewers to confront cultural taboos with sensitivity and humour.
The response was revealing. European audiences, expecting commentary on war or politics from an Iraqi artist, were surprised and moved by the celebration of love and human connection. The exhibition even inspired a book by French writer Joséphine Laurens, integrating Jassam’s paintings with poetry.
Recycling: Art as Political Commentary
Ziyad’s Recycling exhibition in Baghdad in 2016 marked a shift toward politically charged installations. Large, interconnected chairs formed the recycling symbol, reflecting the repetitive cycle of Iraq’s political scene.
“The idea of recycling came because the political figures running at the time were the same in every round. No matter the election results, we saw the same people rotating to different seats, without any changes on the ground!” he explains.
This interactive, moving piece of art evoked daily realities of instability and destruction, resonating with both ordinary citizens and the artistic community.
“Peace Will Be Born One Day”: Hope in Art
Another striking installation transforms the oud—a symbol of Iraqi culture—into a living, layered piece. Coated in algae, salts, and sediment, with a dove’s nest at its centre, the work merges nature, heritage, and hope.
It was dedicated to Naseer Shamma, a distinguished Iraqi oud player and a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. Exhibited at Baghdad’s Ministry of Culture and the House of the Oud, it was both a local and international statement on peace, culture, and continuity.
Philosophy and Advice
“I don’t use art for livelihood. Art for art’s sake! It’s impossible for an artist to live off their art, because it will turn their message into something commercial,” he says.
His advice for aspiring creators is clear: focus on the message, the process, and the lasting impact, not the market!
Ziyad Jassam’s work is a testament to courage, imagination, and the transformative power of art. Whether celebrating intimate human connections or critiquing political cycles, he continues to reframe how we see Iraq, its people, and its creative spirit.
His journey reminds us that true innovation in art is about provoking thought, inspiring dialogue, and leaving a legacy that transcends borders.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
FIND OUT MORE
Instagram: @ziyad_jassam
All artworks © Ziyad Jassam
Podcast episode available: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Anghami.