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Amer Al Obaidi was born in Al Najaf in 1943 into a large, wealthy, Muslim family. As a boy of 10 or 11, he was fascinated by cracks in the dry dirt formed by the baking sun. So he cut out a block of earth, let it harden in the sun for two days, and used a knife to create his first sculpture. He showed it to his father, who recognized his talent and encouraged him to paint by purchasing paper, clay and pencils for the boy.[1]

His family encouraged him to pursue painting as a career. He obtained a BA in Fine Arts from Baghdad University in 1969. His artistic talents came to public attention, when at age of 22, he was awarded the first place at an International Arts Festival in Ibiza, Spain.[2]

Al-Obaidi prepared illustrations for local newspapers and magazines, and illustrated certain children's books.[3] He became involved in the Iraqi arts community by joining the art group known as Al-Mujadidin (The Innovationists) whose notable members included Salman Abbas, Salim al-Dabbagh, Saleh al-Jumai'e, Faik Husein, Nida Kadhim and Talib Makki.[4] The group held its first exhibition at the National Gallery of Modern Art where members all exhibited works.[5]

After graduating, Al-Obaidi began working in administrative positions in Iraq's art museums, working his way up to the key role of Director of National Museum of Modern Art in Baghdad, a position he held from 1973 to 1983. Later, he was the General Director of Fine Arts of Iraq and also taught in Saudi Arabia for three years. While in Saudi Arabia, he completed a Wall Carpet for the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.[6] Throughout this period, he continued to paint, but in 1995 he quit his administrative roles to focus exclusively on working as practising artist.[7]

In 2006, Al-Obaidi's family suffered a tragedy when Amer’s son, Bader, was killed by a roadside bomb in Baghdad, while waiting for his father and sister in a shopping precinct.[citation needed] Amer’s wife, Sawsan, also suffered horrific injuries in the same incident, losing part of her eyesight and ultimately having her leg amputated. Following this event, the family relocated to Syria and in 2008, were relocated to Iowa, United States through the UNHCR.[8][9]

Al-Obaidi is one of a large number of Iraqi artists who have fled Iraq and now live abroad permanently. The Ministry of Culture has estimated that more than 80% of all Iraqi artists are now living in exile.[10]

Amer Al Obaidi 06

Amer Al Obaidi 06
110 x 100 cm
Oil on canvas
1976

Amer Al Obaidi 05

Amer Al Obaidi 05
90 x 90 cm
Oil on canvas
1995

Amer Al Obaidi 04

Amer Al Obaidi 04
60 x 60 cm
Mix media on canvas
1997

Amer Al Obaidi 03

Amer Al Obaidi 03
140 x 140 cm
oil on canvas
2003

Amer Al Obaidi 02

Amer Al Obaidi 02
140 x 140 cm
acrylic on canvas
2007

amer al obaidi 01

Amer Al Obaidi 01
87 x 87 cm
oil on canvas
2002

 
 
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