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’
The Power of Patronage: Conversations on Arab Identity and Influence
Serwan Baran’s art has moved from Baghdad to Aleppo, Amman and now Beirut. Along the way, he forged significant and life-changing connections and has found immutable support from some of the Arab art world’s most influential leaders.
Dr Basel Dalloul, who inherited a remarkable art collection from his parents and founded the Dalloul Art Foundation in 2016, is a longstanding friend and supporter of Baran’s; the foundation has acquired and featured several of Baran’s works over the years, going back to when the late Ramzi Dalloul commissioned the portrait Fidel Castro and collected several others.
Saleh Barakat, founder of the pioneering Saleh Barakat Gallery, has long been an advocate of Baran’s work, and together they envisioned the famed Canines collection. The gallery also showcased the incredible Fatherland project, which was exhibited at the 58th Venice Biennale.
The following encapsulates substantial discussions by the prominent founders and collectors on Baran’s artwork, focused on his unique influence, the sociopolitical themes prominent in his works, and the importance of promoting dialogue in the Arab art world.