Faisel Laibi Sahi

Faisel Laibi Sahi is an Iraqi artist who was born in the port city of Basra into an artistic family. He studied at the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad, graduating in 1968. Sahi furthered his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts, Baghdad University, graduating in 1971. 

A rebel who was unafraid to criticise the regime of the time, Sahi worked as a journalist and illustrator while in Baghdad. He was eventually forced to leave Iraq for France after drawing the ire of the authorities. 

Sahi continued his studies in Paris, attending both the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts and the Sorbonne, where he studied Painting and Art History respectively. He eventually settled in London with his wife, Aisha, whom he met in Paris, after spending time in Florence and Algeria, her homeland, where he taught art. 

While the UK became his second home, Sahi’s art remains firmly rooted in his native Iraq, revealing both the influence of his early tutors and his affinity with the philosophy of the Iraqi painter and sculptor Jewad Selim, which was to seek inspiration from heritage [istilham al-turath]. 

Sahi’s works reflect the country’s rich and broad cultural heritage and historical identity, spanning elements that range from Mesopotamian mythology and Islamic art to archaic Arabic literature, and critical observations about the ever-changing political landscape.

Sahi continued to produce critical, satirical news content once in London, and, as a socially engaged artist, his work routinely displays satirical, allegorical and theatrical qualities. His ability to portray historical themes in a contemporary context has been a hallmark of his work, from ancient battles and torture chambers to funeral corteges, prisoners being tortured and even body parts. 

Draughtsmanship and Diverse Mediums: Exploring Sahi's Technical Skills

Detailed, graphic works completed in ink and graphite on paper remind us that Sahi is a talented draughtsman. Other contrasting paintings completed in acrylic on canvas capture typical life in Iraq in times gone by, from Baghdad café scenes and shopworkers to soldiers, dinner feasts and shisha moments.

Faisel Laibi Sahi’s work has been exhibited extensively. Solo shows include, most recently: ‘Fantasy of the Forbidden’, Art Space Hamra, Beirut (2017); ‘Agony and Recreation’, Meem Gallery, Dubai (2015); ‘Constantine Between Light and Dark’, Hall of Constantine City Theatre, Constantine, Algeria (2007); ‘Homage to The One Who Gave Me Life and Love’, AL Mada 5th Festival, Arbil, Iraq (2007); ‘Memories and Mirrors from Iraq’, Old Market Hall, La Rochelle, France (2007);  ‘Sadness and Dreams’, Gallery Emeraude, Annaba, Algeria (2006); ‘The Baghdad Cafe, Memories of My Youth’, Rona Gallery, London (2004); ‘You Are My Country – Iraq’, Oriental Art Museum, Oslo, Norway (2003); ‘Forty Years of Painting’, Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi (2002); and ‘Lovers’ Tales’, Notre Alle Gallery, Potsdam, Germany and London (2001).

His work has also featured in several group exhibitions, including, most recently: ‘A Century in Flux: Highlights from the Barjeel Art Foundation’, Sharjah Art Museum, Sharjah, UAE (2018); ‘Mathaf Collection, Summary, Part 2’, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Doha, Qatar (2017); ‘The Short Century’, Sharjah Art Museum, Sharjah, UAE (2016); ‘Family Exhibition’, Boushahri Gallery, Salmiya, Kuwait (2013); ‘Caravan’, Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah, UAE (2011); ‘Iraq: Two Faces’, Albareh Art Gallery, Adliya, Manama, Bahrain (2010); ‘Modernism and Iraq’, Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Art Gallery, Columbia University, New York City (2009); ‘Iraqi Artists in Exile’, Station Museum, Houston, Texas, US (2008); ‘Contemporary Arab Representations’, The Iraqi Equation, Bildmuseet, Umea Sweden; and Fundacion Antoni Tapies, Barcelona, Spain (2006); and ‘Contemporary Arab Representations’, The Iraqi Equation, Kunst Werke Institute for Contemporary Art, Berlin, Germany (2005). 

Faisel Laibi Sahi continues to live in London, UK. He has designed book covers and magazines, and is a highly respected writer, producing many articles about art, literature, politics and aesthetics.