In collaboration with the Fine Arts Society of Chamchamal and Jihan Gallery, a special exhibition by artist Shamal Sa’dulla was held at Jihan Gallery in Erbil, where it continued for several days.
Sa’dulla, a graduate of the Erbil Fine Arts Institute and a participant in several group exhibitions inside and outside Kurdistan, has opened his fifth solo exhibition.
In a statement, the artist described the exhibition titled “Bim” (Fear) as the result of several years of work shaped by diverse experiences and evolving themes. He explained that his early works were more narrative and represented a reflective and analytical return to the past. Over time, however, his focus shifted toward a deeper sense of anxiety and collective fear, particularly those linked to war and the threat of nuclear weapons.
He described “Bim” as a visual dialogue between ancient forms and the smoke of modern warfare. According to him, the works also engage with fundamental questions about life, death, power, and humanity’s fate at a time when human values are increasingly devalued amid global instability.
Sa’dulla added that the exhibition represents a journey through the remnants of memory and a retelling of a land caught between glory and destruction. He noted that the works are not intended to provide answers but to raise profound questions about humanity’s future during a critical historical period.
He further stated that “Bim” will remain an ongoing artistic process, as contemporary human progress has not yet led to a clear path toward peace or the resolution of global anxieties tied to destruction.
In recent years, Sa’dulla has presented four solo exhibitions showcasing the development of his sculptural practice. His works are noted for their focus on the environment, culture, and history of Kurdistan, combining local identity with a modern artistic language. Through this approach, he has established a respected position within Kurdish artistic and intellectual circles.
