CAMP ECHO — An art show here featuring works by Iraqi artists allowed Soldiers and contractors to learn about local culture, purchase gifts and help support local artisans, Dec. 6.
One portrait of an old woman captured a passer-by; he was arrested by the soulful eyes staring back at him. Admitting he doesn’t know why, and has little knowledge of art, he liked the portrait.
In an offhand way, he remarked to his peers that even though the subject wore traditional Iraqi garb, she could easily have been a person back home in the states; an old woman, a strong woman.
Others gazed at paintings and rugs, asking questions to learn more about Iraq’s culture and history.
“It’s good to see that they put together something showcasing some quality stuff that supports a good cause,” said Warrant Officer Todd Griego, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division projects officer.
More than half of the approximately 30 paintings displayed were sold, and another five were commissioned. Close to 20 rugs and bags were also sold, most of which were hand-crafted with locally gathered and dyed wool.
“I think it’s a nice opportunity to get to see some of the culture,” said 1st Lt. Jacqueline Wood, 147th Adjutant General Company postal platoon leader, attached to 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “It gets the local population involved with the Soldiers. A lot of the things I see common between artwork here and that I’ve seen before, are everyday life themes: relationships between the young and the old and the little things in everyday life.”
She spoke to an Iraqi artist, and said she was glad for the opportunity to ask questions about the scenes of daily life and the historical paintings displayed. She found herself relating with many of the paintings and purchased four.
The artist, Haider Abed Ali, also showed Wood pictures of other paintings that inspire him, explaining more of the rich history of the region.
He spoke to other Soldiers about his early life in art, work that began for him as a child. Inspired by a neighborhood artist, he started by drawing with pencil, following a borrowed library book of Picasso.
Haider’s studies later focused on the works of a famous Iraqi painter, Faeq Hassan, and other Iraqi artists, especially those that focused on Iraqi culture and everyday depictions. He attended the university in Baghdad and now teaches art to high school students, though eventually he would like to teach at the college level.
Haider said the teaching conditions are not yet ideal, but he is hopeful for the future as the security and economy of the country progress. He said he remains optimistic for the future of Iraq because people have hope and more open minds than before.
“I believe that sharing my art with the Americans, helps build relationships between Iraqis and Americans and make more trust between the two peoples. I believe the friendship between us will strengthen and continue to get better,” said Haider.
He said he would like to study art in America one day, like most of his Iraqi art teachers.
“My wish since I was in middle school was to go to America to study art. It is my biggest dream,” said Haider. “If God wills it, I will accomplish my dream.”
(By Sgt. Rodney Foliente, 4th Infantry Division)