Wadhah Mahdi

Wadhah Mahdi is an award-winning Iraqi artist who was born in Baghdad, studying there at the Institute of Fine Arts and Faculty of Fine Arts, before graduating in 2000. His paintings are largely figurative, featuring subjects and details that recall the rich cultural legacy of his homeland. Earthy, warm colors give Mahdi’s paintings a somewhat hazy feel, especially his portraiture, adding extra emotion and expression to the facial features of his subjects, many of whom seem deep in thought, eyes closed, or in a dreamlike trance.  

Mahdi’s work has been featured in several collective and solo exhibitions, including a number of international shows. He is the recipient of a number of awards, including the First Prize from the Saudi Center for Fine Arts (2015). Mahdi continues to live in Baghdad. He is a member of the Iraqi Artists Association and the Society of Iraqi Plastic Artists.