Born in Hilla, Iraq, Mehdi Moutashar grew up in a rich cultural environment where ancient Mesopotamian heritage met modern artistic ambitions. He studied at the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad before winning a scholarship to attend the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in 1967. His relocation to France immersed him in the European avant-garde while maintaining strong ties to Arab visual traditions. This dual identity — Iraqi roots and French artistic training — would become central to his creative vocabulary.
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Geometric Abstraction and Islamic Aesthetics
Moutashar’s work is characterised by precise geometric abstraction, drawing inspiration from the mathematical elegance of Islamic ornamentation. Stripped of figurative elements, his compositions explore the relationships between line, form, and space. He often works with bold colour contrasts, rhythmic repetitions, and modular structures, inviting viewers to consider the underlying logic of visual order. His paintings and reliefs bridge cultural histories, merging the analytical clarity of Western abstraction with the spiritual resonance of Arab art.
An International Career of Cross-Cultural Dialogue
Exhibited widely across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, Moutashar’s art has been featured in major events such as the Venice Biennale. Critics praise his ability to maintain cultural specificity while contributing to the universal language of abstraction. Now based in France, he continues to create and exhibit, his works residing in both private collections and public institutions. Moutashar’s career stands as a testament to the power of art to navigate and unite diverse cultural legacies.