Serwan Baran Iraqi, b. 1968

Serwan Baran (b. 1968, Baghdad) graduated from Babel University with a Fine Arts degree. He experienced the beauty & tumultuous history of Iraq which is a motive in his work; the mythological and historical layers of the region, coupled with his exposure to Iraq's contemporary realities.

Using realism with expressionism to create beautiful images of Bedouins, the country fairs, and workers, depicting the complex and beautiful society of Iraq. His works often feature distorted figures and exaggerated forms, blending elements of abstraction with a commentary on contemporary political and social issues.

Serwan’s work is exhibited globally; his ability to blend ethnic knowledge into new-age expressionism has placed him among the leading contemporary artists from the Middle East. He tells us stories of Iraq’s past and present through his work; offering a personal reflection on identity, struggle & resilience that questions our understanding of identity, power, and survival.