Strokes of Genius — Contemporary Iraqi Art
Editor: Maysaloun Faraj
Publisher: Saqi Books
London, United Kingdom, 2001
ISBN: 9780863565632
Fully illustrated in color, this comprehensive survey gathers Iraq's globally scattered artistic talents into one volume, reflecting how, in the wake of recent world events, many Iraqis sought alternative habitations outside their homeland and an innovative body of artwork emerged. Much of this new work addresses the complexities of the artists' lives, whether displaced abroad or facing the daily struggle of survival inside Iraq, and the volume, based on extensive research and interviews, includes essays exploring the status and content of current artworks alongside a comprehensive collection of artist biographies. The book grew out of the Strokes of Genius / iNCiA (International Network for Contemporary Iraqi Art) project founded by Maysaloun Faraj in 1995, which also encompassed a touring exhibition across the UK and US from 2000 to 2003.