Bahaydin, a prominent Kurdish artist, has opened a new sculpture exhibition in Mannheim, titled “The Imaginary City of the Devoted.”
Speaking at the opening, Bahaydin said the works in the exhibition use artistic and symbolic elements to transport viewers into a world where the butterfly represents freedom, hope of return, and the crossing of borders. He explained that the exhibition’s title reflects the idea of discovering a better world—one in which humans and nature coexist in peace.
The artist noted that the exhibition uses vivid colours and visual storytelling to express human dreams, the desire for peace, and the connection between the soul and nature. He highlighted that, across many cultures, the butterfly symbolizes renewal and the return of life, making it a central motif that conveys a sense of new hope.
Bahaydin also emphasized the deeper message behind the exhibition, stating that it is not only about an imagined place but also about the search for inner peace and psychological balance. He added that his work seeks to convey the importance of both external freedom and internal tranquillity.
The exhibition opened on April 24, 2026, and will run for one month.
Originally from Sulaymaniyah in Iraq and now based in Germany, Bahaydin is an active presence on the international art scene. His work spans sculpture, painting, graphic art, and public installations, and is recognized for its expressive use of colour and symbolic compositions that reflect both personal experience and universal themes.
