Foundations of Modern Vision: The Baghdad Modern Art Group at NYU Abu Dhabi

We find ourselves in the presence of a transformative moment in twentieth century art history, one that continues to resonate through the carefully curated galleries of the NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery. The exhibition ‘All Manner of Experiments: Legacies of the Baghdad Modern Art Group’ invites us to explore the extraordinary contributions of two pioneering figures whose collaborative vision fundamentally altered the trajectory of modern Iraqi art.

Jewad Selim and Shakir Hassan Al Said founded the Baghdad Modern Art Group in 1951, establishing themselves as towering intellects and creative forces whose influence would extend far beyond their era. Through their individual artistic practices and their collective endeavours within the group, these visionaries grappled with a profound creative challenge: how could modern art meaningfully engage with Iraq’s deeply rooted cultural and artistic heritage whilst remaining responsive to the unprecedented transformations unfolding across the contemporary world?

What emerged from their investigations was nothing less than a new visual language for modern Iraqi art. This distinctive artistic vocabulary drew sustenance from local histories and traditions, yet simultaneously embraced the broader philosophical currents of modernism itself. Al Said would later establish the One Dimension Group, extending this pioneering vision into new territories of artistic exploration.

The exhibition presents an opportunity to witness how these artists navigated the delicate balance between honouring ancestral wisdom and embracing progressive creative impulses. Their work stands as a testament to the possibility of forging genuinely original artistic movements that remain rooted in place whilst engaging with universal artistic conversations.

The exhibition remains on view through January 3, 2027, offering us the privilege of encountering these transformative artistic legacies in person.