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"Throughout history, Mesopotamia has been referred to as the
'Cradle of Civilisation' and its art, treasured in museums
worldwide, is praised as one of the greatest achievements of
mankind. Today, Iraqi art forms an important facet of the
kaleidoscope of global contemporary art to which the artists
contribute with a diverse yet distinct vocabulary formed by
their unique artistic, cultural and religious roots.
Due to recent world events, as a result of which many Iraqis
have had to seek alternative existences outside their
homeland, an innovative body of artworks by Iraqi artists has
emerged and taken shape. Many of these address
contemporary themes informed by the complexities of the
artists' lives, be it outside Iraq, in the distressed position of
being an 'other', or indeed within Iraq, where day to day
survival has become for many an
enormous struggle and an unprecedented burden. A
culmination of a colossal five-year effort, this historical
undertaking intends to bring together Iraq's scattered 'talents
in the wind' and communicate the positive and creative
energies of Iraqi artists dispersed throughout the world today.
Strokes of Genius is meant to serve as a valuable source of
reference for those seeking current information about
contemporary Iraqi art. Based on extensive research and
many personal interviews, this work introduces the reader to
the development of Iraqi art throughout recent decades, before
moving on to essays by experts in the field who explore the
status and content of works produced by Iraqi artists today.
Furthermore, it incorporates a comprehensive selection of
biographical notes on Iraqi artists, past and present,
worldwide."

With 40 colour and 170 black and white illustrations
ISBN 0 86356 563 8