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Jafer Taoun

Jafer Taoun (b. 1963): Iraqi Artist Navigating Exile and Memory

Jafer Taoun is an Iraqi artist who was born in Basra. He studied at the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad, graduating in 1986, before relocating to Stockholm, Sweden, during the Gulf war.

Themes of Exile and Conflict in Taoun’s Art

Taoun’s exile from his birth country and the traumatic experiences of conflict are at the heart of his practice. He regularly visits these and related themes in his art, exploring topical issues linked to identity, memory, past vs present, and migration, alongside sociopolitical aspects of life in Iraq.

Significantly, Taoun’s move to Sweden also brought about a transformation in his approach to his work, bringing him out of his shell and freeing him of artistic conventions and rules in ways that redefined his practice.

Figurative-Abstraction Fusion with Bold Textures

Over the years, he has developed a unique visual language that combines figuration with abstraction, which he uses in works that are created with heavy paint in rich, layered colours.

Taoun also at times makes use of other media, including flashe vinyl and ink. His figures are presented as flat, yet dynamic, highly simplified forms. The work of Adonis is a key influence and source of inspiration, with Taoun having at times aligned his paintings with the prominent Arab poet’s hand-written words. Taoun took this approach in a high-profile solo show titled ‘To the Painting, O Space’, held at Dar Al-Anda Art Gallery in Amman, Jordan, in 2023.

Connecting Poetry and Painting: ‘To the Painting, O Space’ with Adonis

Commenting on the exhibition, Zaher Al-Ghafrari, the late Omani poet said: “… a deep sense of brotherhood is achieved between the poet and the artist in front of the audience…. What happens between the poetic text and the painting is a loving embrace, their beauty reaches the absolute because poetry and art are infinite. A statement of poetry and art, that says we do not fear you, O death. We stare at you with the vigour of life. Just as poetry and art remain a creative addition to humanity in this world inhabited by weapons, tanks, and guns.”

Extensive Exhibitions: Solo and Group Shows Worldwide

Taoun’s work has featured in numerous exhibitions worldwide since his first solo show at the French Cultural Centre in Baghdad in 1983. Recent solo exhibitions include events at:

Artists Association Gallery, Basra, Iraq (2018)
Hammarkullen Konsthall, Gothenburg, Sweden (2016)
Form/Design Center, Malmö, Sweden (2012)
Gallery Ur, Malmö, Sweden (2006)
Osby Konsthall, Osby, Sweden (2003); and
Christinehofs Slott, Malmö, Sweden (2001).

He has also taken part in several group exhibitions, including, most recently, shows at:

Galleri Alma, Sweden (2018)
Malmö Festival, Sweden (2017)
Zervas Art (2017)
Ateljé Ur, Malmö, Sweden (2017)
Växjö Konsthall, Växjö, Sweden (2014)
Zervas Art (2014)
7 Eyes Gallery, Newcastle, England (2009)
Almahres Art Festival, Almahres, Tunisia (2005)
Kulturen i Lund, Sweden (2004)
Porvoo Art Gallery, Porvoo, Finland (2003)
M-Art Gallery, Vienna, Austria (2001)
Internationella Biennale, City Art Hall of St Petersburg, Russia (2001)
Gallery Stichting Beeldende Kunst Voorburg, Netherlands (2000)
Gallery Kunst Vorm, Amsterdam, Netherlands (2000)
Staffanstorps Konsthall, Staffanstorp, Sweden (2000)
Many of these events were organised with Zervas Art.

Online Presence and Key Collections

Taoun’s works have also been featured in various online platforms, including Artscoops, where pieces like “Untitled V” are showcased, highlighting his continued engagement with contemporary art. 

For more information on Jafer Taoun’s exhibitions and artworks, visiting the official websites of galleries such as Dar Al-Anda Art Gallery and platforms like Artscoops is recommended.