Ahmad AlKarkhi Paints the Beauty that Exists Despite War

Ahmad AlKarkhi left Iraq in 2006 to escape the horrors of war in Baghdad and extremist views against artists of all types. With him, he brought the dream of being recognised for his art and being able to support his young family- his wife and a child.

At a time when extremists are targeting artists- painters, poets, dancers, and even actors- and when the usual images that the designation "Middle East" brings to the minds of the world are suffering and bombed-out sand-filled homes, AlKarkhi paints landscapes in the colors of dreams. With oranges, fuschias, and greens, he paints his memories of his homeland. He also paints some rather realistically colored ones as well. It is a place where palm trees are as common as poplars and pines, where light falls in a richly golden hue, where ancient ways of life coincide with modern urban living in sometimes surprising ways. He also paints portraits and abstracts that delight and challenge the senses. They are so richly layered that is it difficult to get a full grasp of them by looking at the images posted online- one has the feeling that there is much that does not translate across electronically. His favored mediums are oils, acrylics, and watercolor. He uses them all to profound effect.

After leaving Baghdad in 2006, AlKarkhi spent three years in Damascus where he sold 200 paintings to its top galleries. When violence broke out there, he headed to the U.S. and arrived in August 2009, bringing his art with him. He said he is seeking a peaceful life in this new country.

Marjorie Ransom, who is helping AlKarkhi to become established in the U.S., said: "I have always loved introducing Americans to the beauty of the Middle East. You hear so much about the woes of the Middle East - it's always been a goal of mine to show Americans the beauty of that part of the world." And AlKarkhi's art is a great way to do that. He says: "There is always that beautiful side that we must keep alive."

You can view some of this courageous artists' work at his website at www.alkarkhi.com/index.htm.

Resources:

Susan Stamburg, "Portrait Of Iraq: A Refugee Artist Paints His Home", http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122214886, NPR.com.

http://www.alkarkhi.com/index.htm