29 - ⊕ ‡ ARDASH KAKAFIAN (IRAQI 1941-2000)

⊕ ‡ ARDASH KAKAFIAN (IRAQI 1941-2000) UNTITLED acrylic on canvas 170 x 216cm unframed The Estate of Ardash Kakafian has confirmed the authenticity of this work Property from a Private Collection, The Netherlands Executed circa 1990 Provenance Acquired directly from the artist's studio by the present owner Ardash Kakafian was an Iraqi artist of Armenian heritage whose work served as a bridge between the mid-century modern art movements of Baghdad and the European avant-garde scene. Born on December 15, 1940, in Mosul, Iraq, Kakafian grew up during a period of profound cultural renaissance in the region. Showing an exceptional aptitude for painting early in life, he pursued formal artistic training at the Higher Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad. His talent was recognised early, earning him the distinction of becoming the youngest member accepted into the landmark Baghdad Modern Art Group. This pioneering movement sought to forge a distinct national modern art identity by synthesising traditional Iraqi heritage ( turath) with Western modernist techniques. Much of his work is influenced by his personal experiences as well as Impressionism, described by the Egyptian artist Ahmed Morsi as an 'explorer of a self-diaspora' and 'an eloquent mesh of personal architecture and poetry'. In 1960, seeking to expand his creative horizons, Kakafian relocated to Paris, where he studied and established his studio practice. For the rest of his life, he lived and worked primarily in France, occasionally signing works under the pseudonym Ardashis, while maintaining a strong creative connection to his Middle Eastern roots. Working across acrylic, ink, and oil on canvas, Kakafian developed a expressive style that merged figuration with abstract forms, defined by vibrant colour palettes and striking line work. His compositions frequently explored deep human themes: exile, memory, identity, and the sense of alienation experienced when living between different cultures and worlds. Kakafian exhibited extensively throughout his career, showcasing his paintings in prominent solo and group exhibitions in both Paris and Baghdad. He passed away in Paris on January 6, 2000, at the age of 59. Today, his paintings are held in prominent regional institutions such as the AlSharekh Art Collection and regularly feature in international modern Middle Eastern art auctions at major houses.