Widad Al Orfali

Born in 1929, Orfali studied at the Baghdad Institute of Fine Arts, Widad honed her talent under pioneer Iraqi artist Khalid Al Jadir.
BA Social Services, Beirut Women's College,  Travelled extensively moving between European and Arab countries.  Held numerous solo exhibitions in Bon, New York, London, Amman and Baghdad and took part in numerous group exhibition in Baghdad since the late 1950s including those organised by SIPA of which she is a member.  Established and managed Al-Orfali Gallery, the first private art gallery in Baghdad, 1980.  Artwork in private and public collections world-wide.  
A visit to Andalusia in Spain was a major turning point in Widad's artistic life. Deeply fascinated by the detailed and decorative manifestations of ancient Andalusian culture, she could not resist changing from realism art to a new world of 'Expression' and her work became an unusual, glorious celebration of her own oriental "Dream Cities". They were her 'Fantasia' that portrayed the beauty of domes, arches, decorations and colours; the timeless spirit of Andalusia entwined with her love for beloved Iraq, subsequently rhythms of Arabia is born.
Member of the Iraqi Artists Association & Union.
1957 Participated in Al Mansoor Club exhibition & in most of the exhibitions organized by the Iraq Artists Association.