In Mosul Exhibition, Iraqi Artists Process Brutal Rule of Islamic State

RUETERS
By Ayat Basma

A man looks at the painting during an art exhibition at the Mosul Museum Hall in Mosul, Iraq January 30, 2019. REUTERS/Ari Jalal

Fathi’s work is on display in “Return to Mosul” - the city’s first art exhibition since before it was seized by Islamic State, whose ultra hardline version of Sunni Islam prohibits most art forms. Artists from across Iraq are taking part in the six-day show, including many who lived in Mosul when it was in the militants’ grip. Three years under the oppressive and violent rule of Islamic State and the military campaign which drove it out in 2017 left much of the northern city in ruins. Thousands were killed, rendered homeless or maimed. Those who survived are deeply traumatized. Artists from across Iraq are taking part in the six-day show, including many who lived in Mosul when it was in the militants’ grip. [More]