Aichi Triennale

In 2013, Al Shaker was selected to participate in the Venice Biennale as part of the Iraqi Pavilion; since then his artwork has served as a vehicle to share his heritage and identity, and reflect on the country’s more recent history. The paintings that comprise Four Minutes illustrate environments Al Shaker witnessed after the detonation of bombs during the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. In the moments that followed such explosions, Al Shaker recalls the sky, the air, the swirl of debris above, and the deafening silence. Although these paintings are inspired by a finite period within this traumatic experience, Al Shaker wants the viewer to know: “These paintings are not about death. They are not about the bomb. They are about the moment after. Each painting is a new beginning. There is death, but I have a new life. I am still alive.” A mindset of resilience and gratitude for life is evident in the exuberance and energy that pulsates through Al Shaker’s paintings. His palette is rich and layered while the frenetic brushstrokes breathe movement into the canvas.

Selected exhibitions

2024

Art Basel Miami, Miami Beach Convention Center (USA)

2024

Expo Chicago, Navy Pier’s Festival Hall (USA)

2023

Solo exhibitions, Four Minutes, Rhona Hoffman Gallery (Chicago, USA)

2022

documenta fifteen (Kassel, Germany)

2013

55th Venice Biennale, Iraqi Pavilion (Italy)