This article appeared in Being Serwan Baran Issue #69 dedicated to tackling the journey of Serwan Baran, an Iraqi artist who transforms the brutal realities of war and human suffering into visual narratives. Born in Baghdad in 1968 and shaped by his experiences as a soldier, Baran’s work is rich with authenticity and emotional depth. His art reveals a complex psyche and a deep connection to the human experience. Through dark, brooding canvases, Baran explores themes of pain, resilience, and hope, urging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths while embracing our shared humanity.
Issue #69 ‘Being Serwan Baran’
How has your interaction with Serwan Baran influenced your appreciation and understanding of his work?
Serwan is probably one of the kindest people I know – a balanced and gentle soul. Despite his occasional absent-mindedness, such as misplacing his keys or getting pickpocketed in Venice, his sweetness is undeniable. When it comes to his art, I consider him an artistic genius. His sculptures are reminiscent of Alberto Giacometti’s with their elongated, almost skeletal forms that evoke a sense of fragility and existential angst. His paintings, on the other hand, echo the raw, visceral intensity of Francis Bacon’s work, characterized by distorted figures and emotionally charged, almost chaotic compositions. My interaction with Serwan, who is among a close-knit group of artist friends, is more about our personal connection rather than his work. It is fascinating that someone so gentle can produce such edgy, Bacon-esque art.
Serwan’s ability to translate his profound thoughts and experiences into his artwork is remarkable. His work is deeply rooted in his cultural and historical background, drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of Iraq. His paintings often reflect the tumultuous socio-political landscape of his homeland, blending realism with expressionism to depict the complexities of life in Iraq. Moreover, he also creates art that addresses the places he lives in, including Lebanon. His works often reflect the issues and events happening in these regions, adding another layer of depth and relevance to his creations.
His unique approach to art has not only influenced my appreciation of his work but has also broadened my understanding of how art can serve as a powerful medium for social commentary. His ability to capture the essence of the human condition, with all its beauty and suffering, is truly inspiring. Serwan’s art challenges viewers to confront difficult truths and consider different perspectives, making his work an essential part of our collection at the Ramzi and Saeda Dalloul Art Foundation (DAF).
Which work do you feel particularly proud to have acquired?
204.5 x 150.5 x 3.5 cm.
Courtesy of DAF Beirut.
There are actually two works that stand out. The first is a painting commissioned after the Beirut blast in 2020. It depicts a scene in Gemmayzeh, where citizens volunteered to clean up the streets, bandage each other, and help amidst the chaos, while no government officials were present. The painting captures the raw emotion and resilience of the people, with detailed portrayals of shattered glass and debris against a backdrop of solidarity and communal effort. Serwan went down there immediately after the blast, and frequented there as he volunteered in the post-blast civilian clean up.Everything he saw first-hand inspired him to create this powerful piece titled Beirut Clean Up, 2020.
The second work I treasure is titled 30 Seconds Out of Time, 2021. It portrays firemen rushing into the warehouse before the blast, capturing a haunting moment of bravery and tragedy. Serwan found a broadcast with images from the blast site, prior to the explosion, showing firemen rushing into the warehouse where the fire was, now notoriously known as Warehouse #12, located right in front of the Beirut silos. Tragically, all the firemen depicted in the painting shortly after perished. The piece is characterized by its eerie, Francis Bacon-like faces, with distorted and expressive features that evoke a deep sense of loss and heroism. The firemen are depicted in motion, their urgency palpable, set against the backdrop of the now-infamous warehouse. This piece, with its haunting imagery and emotional depth, serves as a somber reminder of the lives lost.
Both works resonate deeply with me, not only for their artistic brilliance but also for their emotional and historical significance.
What was the first work of Serwan Baran acquired by the late Dr. Ramzi Dalloul?
2016, 175 x 175 cm. Courtesy of DAF Beirut.
The late Dr. Ramzi Dalloul, true to his form, did not acquire just one piece but several at once. Among these was a commissioned portrait titled Fidel Castro, 2016, reflecting my father’s admiration for the Cuban leader. This portrait is a powerful representation of Castro, capturing his resolute and commanding presence through Serwan’s unique blend of realism and expressionism.
Another notable piece was a painting of Che Guevara, 2017. This artwork stands out for its dynamic composition and evocative use of color, highlighting Che’s revolutionary spirit and charismatic persona. Our collection features several portrayals of Che by various artists, reflecting the revolutionary spirit that resonated with my father.
The significance of these works lies not only in their artistic brilliance but also in their historical and ideological connections. Serwan’s ability to capture the essence of these iconic figures in his distinctive style made these acquisitions particularly special. They serve as a testament to my father’s admiration for revolutionary leaders and his dedication to preserving their legacies through art.
Given the diverse collection of the Ramzi and Saeda Dalloul Art Foundation, what specific attributes of Serwan Baran’s work aligned with the foundation’s mission and vision?
Our mission and vision at DAF are to educate people about Arab art, spreading its knowledge and appreciation globally while preserving it for future generations. Serwan Baran’s work aligns perfectly with these goals. As an Iraqi artist, his pieces reflect the rich cultural and historical narratives of the Arab world. His ability to blend personal experiences with broader socio-political themes resonates with our objective to present art that tells compelling stories.
Serwan’s work documents and preserves the evolution of Arab art, capturing its essence through a variety of mediums and styles. His paintings not only highlight the struggles and resilience of the people in Iraq but also address issues pertinent to Lebanon and the wider Arab region. This inclusivity and diversity in his work make it an essential part of our collection. By showcasing his art, we aim to foster dialogue and raise awareness about the cultural significance of Arab art, staying true to our holistic and inclusive approach.
How does Serwan Baran’s exploration of socio-political themes in his art resonate with the broader narrative the foundation aims to present through its collection?
The foundation tends to be apolitical, allowing the artworks to speak for themselves. The reason why we are apolitical is because almost all of the artworks from this part of the world are politically charged, so there is no reason for us to take any stand. The artworks take their own stands. Our job is to put the artworks front and center, irrespective of what country the artists come from or what subjects they choose to tackle – whether in painting, photography, sculpting, or any other medium. Our focus is singular: to introduce and promote all our artists, showcasing the diversity and richness of Arab art.
Serwan Baran’s exploration of socio-political themes fits well within our collection’s objective to present diverse perspectives from the Arab world. His work often tackles political and social issues, depicting the harsh realities and complexities of life in the region. This aligns with our mission to document and preserve the cultural heritage of the Arab world, showcasing its richness and diversity.
By presenting Serwan’s art, we highlight narratives of resilience, struggle, and identity, fostering a deeper understanding of the Arab world’s complexities. His pieces capture the emotional and psychological impacts of socio-political events, making his art a powerful tool for education and awareness. Serwan’s work encourages viewers to confront difficult truths and consider multiple perspectives, which is crucial to our goal of raising awareness about the cultural significance of Arab art.
Additionally, his art promotes dialogue about important issues, resonating with our value of fostering meaningful conversations about Arab art and culture. His ability to blend personal experiences with broader socio-political themes ensures that his work remains relevant and impactful, contributing to our vision of disseminating Arab art globally and preserving it for future generations.
