Serwan Baran

(b. 1968, Iraq) Serwan Baran’s paintings focus on Iraq’s turbulent history. He studied fine art at the University of Babylon, where he was inspired by the ancient city’s ruins and myths, contrasting with Iraq’s modern conflicts. A former soldier, Baran often reflects his military experiences and political struggles in his work. His expressionistic paintings show intense scenes of soldiers and use earthy colors from Iraq’s landscape. In 2019, he became the first solo Iraqi artist at the Venice Biennale.