Sharjah24: Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) will be launching the 12th edition of its annual ‘Lasting Impressions’ exhibition series on October 4th to shed light on the Iraqi—Kurdish Ismail Khayat’s works that serve as documents of human suffering and calls for peace.

Featuring over 100 works by the artist, the exhibition will be on view at Sharjah Art Museum until November 27. 

Born in 1944 in Khanaqin - Kurdistan, Khayat is known as the "Picasso of Iraq", the “Stone Man” and the “Grandfather of Kurdish Art”.

He is considered one of the founders of the Kurdish art scene and during a career spanning nearly six decades, has established a unique practice and produced numerous artworks done in various mediums.

Organised by Sharjah Museums Authority, the exhibition comes in line with SMA’s vision to highlight works of prominent artists from the Arab world, and in appreciation of Khayat’s contributions to the Kurdish art scene and his efforts in promoting arts education in the region. 

Lasting Impressions, a series that was first launched in 2010 to boost an appreciation of art among members of the public, features prominent Arab artists who had left a lasting impression on the development of modern art in the Arab world and a legacy for current and future generations. 

Previous editions of the exhibition series featured works by Baya Maheddine, Abdulqader Al Rais, Najat Mekky, George Bahgoury, Adam Henein, Noor Ali Rashid, Thuraya Al Baqsami, Ismail Shammout and Tamam El Akhal and many others.