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…
Event 

Art, Conflict and Iraq: Panel Discussion at 56th Venice Biennale

Ruya Foundation hosted a panel discussion on art, conflict and Iraq as part of its programme for the 56th Venice Biennale. Held at the Scuola Grande dei Carmini the panel examined the role of art in conflict, and the ways in which artists’ contributions to the subject can effect change. The speakers were from a…