§ (Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern & North African Art, 22nd April 2021) DIA AZZAWI (IRAQI, B. 1939) DIA AZZAWI (IRAQI, B. 1939) Homage to Baghdad N.1 titled 'Homage to Baghdad N. 1' (lower centre); signed and dated Azzawi 1982 (lower right) silkscreen printed on Arches Velin handmade paper 54.5 x 49.5cm (21 7/16 x 19 1/2in) AP 7 (edition of 100) ARR PROVENANCE Acquired from the artist by the current owner Dia Azzawi was born in Baghdad, which he notes in those days was a completely different country to today. From an early age, Azzawi liked to draw on paper. At the University of Baghdad he studied archaeology. After university, Azzawi worked for the Department of Antiquities. This acquaintance with ancient artefacts became infused in his art and he started to use references to ancient Sumerian artifacts and calligraphy. After realising that the situation in Iraq was becoming untenable, Azzawi got permission to study abroad, and moved to London in 1976 where he worked for the Iraqi Cultural Centre. In 1980 he returned to Baghdad – as it turned out for the last time. ‘I went back on a short visit to see my family, but within two days of my arriving the Iran–Iraq war started.’ The present work was created two years after this visit and is a testament to his old city, to which he has not returned since.
§ (Modern & Contemporary Middle Eastern & North African Art, 22nd April 2021) DIA AZZAWI (IRAQI, B. 1939) DIA AZZAWI (IRAQI, B. 1939) Homage to Baghdad N.1 titled 'Homage to Baghdad N. 1' (lower centre); signed and dated Azzawi 1982 (lower right) silkscreen printed on Arches Velin handmade paper 54.5 x 49.5cm (21 7/16 x 19 1/2in) AP 7 (edition of 100) ARR PROVENANCE Acquired from the artist by the current owner Dia Azzawi was born in Baghdad, which he notes in those days was a completely different country to today. From an early age, Azzawi liked to draw on paper. At the University of Baghdad he studied archaeology. After university, Azzawi worked for the Department of Antiquities. This acquaintance with ancient artefacts became infused in his art and he started to use references to ancient Sumerian artifacts and calligraphy. After realising that the situation in Iraq was becoming untenable, Azzawi got permission to study abroad, and moved to London in 1976 where he worked for the Iraqi Cultural Centre. In 1980 he returned to Baghdad – as it turned out for the last time. ‘I went back on a short visit to see my family, but within two days of my arriving the Iran–Iraq war started.’ The present work was created two years after this visit and is a testament to his old city, to which he has not returned since.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
