Mohammed Ghani Hikmat

(Iraq, 1929-2011)

The Family

Footnotes

Provenance:
Property from a private collection, Germany
Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner's family.

"The modulation of sculpted lines in my figures, has been one of the focal points of my work for many years; what drew me in particular to the configuration of these forms is the dual appearance of both conflict and interplay between them. The union and fusion of sculpted figures is an integral part of my work and presents us with a constantly changeable relationship between form and meaning"

- Mohammad Ghani Hikmat

This remarkable wooden sculpture is a true testament to the unique artistic vision of Mohammed Ghani Hikma. Born in Baghdad, Iraq in 1961, Hikmat has become known for his distinctive stylized approach to sculpture.

Executed in an impressive scale, this sculpture portrays a Bedouin family in Hikmat's distinctive stylized manner. Rather than focusing on fine detail, Hikmat uses bold, sweeping curves and outlines to capture the essence of each figure. The result is a powerful and evocative portrayal that emphasizes the emotion and movement of the family.

The wood itself is a work of art, with its deep, rich colors and fine-grained texture. Hikmat's skillful use of the medium creates a sense of fluidity and dynamism, adding to the sense of motion and energy in the sculpture.

In 1953, Mohammed Ghani Hikmat graduated from the Institute of Fine Art in Baghdad. He then travelled to Rome to train at the Accademia di Belle Arti, graduating in 1959. While in Italy, he also studied metals at the Instituto di Zaka in Florence, specializing in casting bronze. He subsequently taught sculpture at the Baghdad Institute of Fine Art and the College of Architectural Engineering at the University of Baghdad.

During his career, Hikmat was a prolific creator and exhibitor, and an active participant in the growing Iraqi art scene. He held several solo shows in Rome, San Remo, London, Beirut, and Baghdad. He also participated in most major national exhibitions in Iraq. He was a member of the Society of the Friends of Art and later the az-Zawiya group headed by Faiq Hassan. Significantly, Hikmat was also an influential member of the Baghdad Group of Modern Art (BGMA).

Founded by his teachers and friends, Jewad Selim and Shakir Hassan Al-Said, the BGMA was arguably the most important artist society in modern Iraq and was dedicated to the idea that Iraq's heritage held a preeminent place within its modern art practice.