English

Essay, Interview

Justine Hardy, author and trauma psychologist, on art, conflict and healing.

Ruya Foundation invited Justine Hardy, author and trauma psychologist to speak at a panel discussion on art, conflict and Iraq, for the opening of the Pavilion of Iraq at the 56th Venice Biennale. Hardy founded the groundbreaking mental health project Healing Kashmir, and has reported on and written about South Asia for over 20 years.…

Portfolio

When the Wild Instruments Sing: new installation by Sherko Abbas

When the Wild Instruments Sing is Sherko Abbas Abdul-Razaq’s latest project, which he presented for the second time at the Goldsmith’s MFA degree show last week. Abdul-Razaq created a custom-made instrument, using spokes, matches and small explosives. The spokes, known as damaqashan in Iraq, were often used by children to make toy guns. It is a…

Interview

My father’s colour periods: Interview with conceptual artist Hiwa K

Hiwa K (b.1975, Sulaimaniya) is a conceptual artist based in Berlin. He grew up in Sulaimaniya, and fled Iraq in 1996, travelling on foot across the mountains to the Iranian border, through to Turkey, and finally settling in Europe. Over the years, his work has reflected on a wide range of topics, including the experience of immigration, and more…

Interview

Community activism and the Chilcot Inquiry: Iraq Pavilion artist Rabab Ghazoul

Rabab Ghazoul (b. 1970) is a visual artist working with participatory and performative elements, based in Cardiff, Wales. Her work investigates the causes and effects of political and social structures and how ordinary people negotiate the political. Her work takes many forms, as video, installation, text, performance, or public realm intervention and encounter. All of…