Serwan Baran

Born in Baghdad, Serwan Baran is an Iraqi-Kurdish artist and sculptor whose powerful works address themes of conflict and the human condition. He studied at the University of Babylon, College of Fine Arts, and graduated in 1992. Following his graduation, he taught at The Baghdad University, College of Fine Arts, for several years.

Baran’s childhood was steeped in the turmoil of the Iran-Iraq War, in which he later served as a soldier, followed by a stint as a war artist during the First Gulf War, witnessing firsthand the brutality of conflict. His initial works, created under Saddam Hussein’s regime, were part of state-sanctioned propaganda, but after fleeing Iraq in 2003, Baran's art became more emotional and expressionist, reflecting the chaos of post-invasion Iraq and his own personal journey through exile.

After leaving Iraq, Baran first sought refuge in Amman, Jordan, where his art took on a more profound and emotional tone, responding to the political and social upheaval he had witnessed. He eventually moved to Beirut, continuing to develop his art and voice. In this new phase, Baran’s work began to explore the psychological scars of war, with a focus on the dehumanising effects of conflict. 

His iconic works depict soldiers, generals and the ‘fatherland’, with his colour palettes and compositions inspired by the landscapes and mythology of the region.

Baran has said, “My work is a reaction to war, not a chronicle. I am repeating the shock over and over again, to rid myself of the nightmare.” This quote encapsulates his ongoing mission to exorcise the trauma of his experiences through art, a process he feels may never end.

Baran’s solo exhibitions include: ‘The Trumpeters’, Gallery Misr, Cairo (2024); ‘White Flags’, ERRM Gallery, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (2022); ‘A Harsh Beauty’, Saleh Barakat Gallery, Beirut (2020); ‘Indelible Memory’, Gallery Misr, Cairo (2020); ‘Fatherland’, Iraq Pavilion, Venice Biennale (2019); ‘Canines’, Agial Art Gallery, Beirut (2018); ‘Living on the Edge’, Nabad Art Gallery, Amman (2013); ‘Elected’, Matisse Art Gallery, Marrakech (2013); and ‘Whispers’, Orfali Art Gallery, Amman (2012). Earlier solo exhibitions include events at: Dahok Gallery and Saradam Gallery, Iraq (2011); Art House Gallery, Damascus (2010); Tche Wa Gallery, Tokyo (2007); Orfali Art Gallery, Amman (2006); the Dominican Republic (2003); Dar Alanda, Amman (2000); and Baghdad (1991).

Baran’s group exhibitions include: ‘Snowdrops’, Fridman Gallery, New York (2024); ‘Leave me in Peace’, Galerie Analix Forever Gallery, Geneva (2023); ‘Speaking Across Mountains’, Kurdish Artists in Dialogue, MEI Art Gallery, Washington DC, (2019); ‘Eyes East Bound’, Cairo Biennale, Egypt (2019); ‘Face Value: Portraiture’ (A Gallerist’s Personal Collection), Saleh Barakat Gallery, Beirut (2018); ‘One Hundred Years Closer to Communism: Art and Revolution in the Middle East’, AUB Byblos Bank Art Gallery, Beirut (2017); ‘Code, The Mojo Gallery’, Dubai (2015); ‘Random Numbers’, Al-Markhiyya Gallery, Doha (2013); ‘Diversity from the Arab World’, Albareh Art Gallery, Manama, Bahrain (2012)’; the fourth Marrakech Biennale (2012); Al-Kharafi Biennial, Kuwait (2011); and the Cairo Biennale (1999).

Baran’s works are held in notable institutions and collections including The Barjeel Art Foundation in Sharjah, The Dubai Collection and The Ramzi and Saeda Dalloul Art Foundation (DAF).

Baran is a member of several professional organisations, including the International Association of Art (AIAP). He lives in Beirut.