London – To celebrate the landmark publication of the catalogue raisonné of Jewad Selim, co-authored by Nima Sagharchi, Bonhams' Head of Middle Eastern Art, and Zaineb Jewad Selim, the artist's daughter, Bonhams will host a special book launch on 26 February at Bonhams New Bond Street, alongside a major exhibition titled "Jewad Selim: A New Life", which runs from 24 - 28 February.

The launch will mark the publication of the first-ever catalogue raisonné for an Iraqi artist. This exhibition will be the most extensive dedication to Jewad Selim since his 1968 retrospective at the National Museum of Modern Art in Baghdad. Please contact [email protected] if you would like to attend the launch event.

Jewad Selim (1919-1961) is celebrated as one of the most influential figures in twentieth-century Middle Eastern art and the key pioneer of Iraqi Modernism. In the 1950s, Selim established a distinctive movement that sought to define a modern Iraqi artistic identity by merging traditional local artistic forms with the innovative visual language of the European avant-garde.

Selim developed his artistic vision through extensive studies in Rome, Paris, and England ant the Slade School of Art, before returning to Iraq, where he became a leader in the cultural scene. His talents extended across multiple media, with major achievements in both painting and sculpture.

He won a prize for his entry in the Tate's 'Unknown Political Prisoner' sculpture competition, which was exhibited there in 1953, likely making him the first Middle Eastern artist ever shown at the Tate. His crowning work, Baghdad's iconic "Freedom Monument," was a monumental commission that symbolized the aspirations of a nation. Tragically, his life was cut short in 1961 while the project was still underway.

The new catalogue raisonné showcases Selim's artistic journey, beginning with his early works as a teenager and culminating in his mature, iconic creations. The volume features 152 illustrations of paintings and sculptures, many published here for the first time. Additionally, this publication marks the first time that Selim's Freedom Monument has been fully photographed and presented in colour, with detailed images appearing in a major publication for the very first time.

"Jewad Selim: A New Life" Exhibition and Book Launch
To celebrate the publication of the catalogue raisonné, Bonhams will host a book launch and a major exhibition titled "Jewad Selim: A New Life" on 26 February. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the artist's paintings and sculptures, enriched by critical essays from renowned art historians Nada Shabout and Saleem Al-Bahloly. This exhibition will be the most extensive dedication to Jewad Selim since his 1968 retrospective at the National Museum of Modern Art in Baghdad. It aims to reinvigorate Selim's legacy for a new generation, honouring the founder of Iraqi modernism and the creator of one of Baghdad's most recognisable public landmarks.

A Word from the Co-Editor, Nima Sagharchi:
"The Jewad Selim Catalogue raisonné of Paintings and Sculptures finally honours the founder of modernism in Iraq with a comprehensive reference of his works in painting and sculpture. It also includes the first-ever detailed illustration of his celebrated Freedom Monument in Baghdad. Selim forged a modern Iraqi artistic identity by blending local traditions with an international artistic vocabulary. This synthesis gives his work a universal appeal and solidifies his rightful place in global art history."

Acknowledgements:
This publication and exhibition have been made possible by the generous support of Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi (Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah), Basel Dalloul (Dalloul Art Foundation, Beirut), Hasanain Al-Ibrahimy (Ibrahimi Collection, Baghdad and Amman), Farhad Farjam (Farjam Foundation, Dubai), Tarek and Mayada Gardner, Hammad, Kumait, Zaidun, and Rakan Jawdat, Taimur Hassan, and Bonhams 1793 Ltd.

About Jewad Selim:
Jewad Selim (1919-1961) was a pioneering Iraqi artist and a leading figure in Middle Eastern modernism. Born into a family of artists in Ankara, Selim showed artistic promise from a young age. He received formal training at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Rome and later at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He continued his studies at London's Slade School of Fine Art, where he was exposed to contemporary European artistic movements.

Upon his return to Iraq, Selim played a vital role in shaping the country's artistic landscape. His leadership of the Baghdad Modern Art Group, which he co-founded with his wife, Lorna Selim, helped define a new artistic era. Selim's greatest work, the Freedom Monument ("Nasb al-Hurriya"), is a powerful visual narrative of Iraq's struggle for independence and modern identity. Commissioned by the Iraqi government, the monument stands as a symbol of resilience and progress in the heart of Baghdad.

Despite his untimely death in 1961, Selim's influence endures through his art, his writings, and his pivotal role in establishing modern Iraqi art. The publication of his Catalogue raisonné offers a long-overdue tribute to his enduring legacy.

10 February 2025