Widad Al-Orfali

Place: Baghdad

Born: 1954

Biography:

Widad Al-Orfali is a celebrated Iraqi artist and musician, born in Baghdad, Iraq in 1954. Her artistic journey has been influenced by the country's rich cultural heritage and its tumultuous history. As an artist, she is known for her captivating paintings that reflect her deep connection to her homeland.

Early Life and Education

Widad Al-Orfali's early life was marked by a strong emphasis on education. She pursued her higher education at the Beirut College for Women, where she spent three years studying before moving to Queen Alia College in Baghdad. It was during this time that she developed an interest in art, which eventually led her to attend the Institute of Art in Baghdad. Under the guidance of prominent artists such as Faiq Hassan, Faraj Abbo, and Ismail al-Shaikhly, she honed her skills and graduated from the institute in 1960.

Artistic Career

Widad Al-Orfali's artistic career has been marked by a series of solo exhibitions, starting with her first exhibition in West Germany in 1964. In 1983, she established one of the first private art galleries in Iraq, the Orfali Gallery, which later expanded into a cultural center. Her paintings are known for their focus on fantasy cityscapes, which she refers to as "dream cities". These works are inspired by her travels to various cities, including those in Andalusia and Baghdad, as well as early illuminated manuscripts. Some of her notable works include Rosy Dream, created in 1991, which showcases her unique style and technique. Her paintings are primarily created using oil paint and watercolors, and are held by prominent institutions such as the Barjeel Art Foundation and the Hindiyeh Museum in Jordan.

Awards and Recognition

Widad Al-Orfali's contributions to the art world have been recognized through various awards and exhibitions. Her work has been featured in several publications, including the "Iraqi Art Red List: A Partial List of the Artworks Missing from the National Museum of Modern Art Baghdad–Iraq", published by the National Museum of Modern Art. In 2011, she released her first album, "Rhythms of Arabia", a collection of instrumental music.

• Her artwork can be found on Widad Al-Orfali's page on Wikioo.org.
• More information about her life and work can be found on her Wikipedia page.
• Some of her notable works are held by the Barjeel Art Foundation, which can be explored on Wikioo.org's Barjeel Art Foundation page.

artistic journey is a testament to her resilience and creativity. Through her paintings, she continues to inspire audiences with her unique perspective on the world. Her contributions to the art world are a valuable addition to the cultural heritage of Iraq and the world at large.