Nedim Kufi

Born in Baghdad, Nedim Kufi is an Iraqi-Dutch multidisciplinary visual artist whose work spans a wide range of media, including painting, etching, graphic design, printmaking, photography, installation and film, showcasing his versatility and conceptual depth. 

Kufi graduated with a BA in Fine Arts (Etching) from the Institute of Fine Arts, Baghdad, in 1985 and continued his studies in Sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts, Baghdad (1986-1990). After fleeing Iraq in 1991 for Amman, Jordan, and later settling in the Netherlands, he pursued Graphic Art and Ceramics at the School of the Arts, Utrecht (1998-2002).

Kufi’s art is characterised by a poetic minimalism, where visual clarity often serves as a means to explore complex emotional and philosophical ideas. Themes of displacement, loss and the search for meaning are recurring threads in his work, often expressed through the interplay of text and imagery. His background in design informs his precise, meditative approach, creating compositions that are both visually arresting and deeply introspective.

Through his art, Nedim Kufi transcends cultural and disciplinary boundaries, creating works that resonate universally, while remaining deeply rooted in his Iraqi heritage. His ability to bridge tradition and innovation reflects his dedication to preserving and reinterpreting cultural narratives for a global audience. Simultaneously, his use of modern design techniques and digital media underscores his commitment to pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.

Kufi’s artworks are held in several prominent collections around the world, including the Barjeel Art Foundation in Sharjah, UAE and the Khalid Shoman Collection at Darat al Funun in Amman, Jordan.

His many solo exhibitions include: ‘Nedim Draws Writing’, P21 Gallery, London (2024); ‘Words of Attar’, Kelimat Art Gallery, Istanbul (2021); ‘Edens’, Mark Hachem Gallery, Beirut (2019); Artist Residency, Macam Museum, Aalita, Lebanon (2018); ‘Nadim Kufi: A Symbolic State of Affairs’, ATHR Gallery, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2016); Albareh Art Gallery, Manama, Bahrain (2014); ‘20 Seasons a Day’, Sultan Gallery, Kuwait (2011); ‘The Moon Follows Us’, Sultan Gallery, Kuwait (2009); ‘Attar in Beirut’, Gallery Espace SD, Beirut (2006); ‘Attar from Baghdad’, 4 Walls Gallery, Amman, Jordan (2005); and ‘Earth & Ink, Gallery 108’, Boston, US (2003).

Group exhibitions include: ‘Hudood: Rethinking Boundaries’, The Brunei Gallery, London (2024); ‘The Circle Was A Point’, Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah (2024); ‘UNTITLED Abstractions’, Dalloul Art Foundation (DAF), Beirut (2023); ‘Vantage Point Sharjah 7’, Sharjah Art Foundation, Sharjah (2019); ‘The Poetics of Absence’, 1X1 Art Gallery, Dubai (2017); ‘A Tribute to Rafa Nasiri’, Nabad Art Gallery, Amman, Jordan, (2014); ‘Seeing is Believing’, KW Berlin (2011); AB Gallery, Lucerne, Switzerland (2011); Intervention Gallery, London, (2011); ‘Iraqi Artists in Exile’, Station Museum of Contemporary Art, Houston, Texas (2008-9); ‘In Focus This Day’, Tate Modern, London (2007); ‘BildMuseet’, Umea, Sweden (2006-7); and ‘Dafatir: Contemporary Iraqi Book Art’, University of North Texas Art Gallery, Texas (2005).