I s s a m E l - S a i d

The Bride*
Oil on canvas
152x152cm
1965
Not for Sale

The East, in particular
Iraq, provided El-Said
with a rich and vital
source of inspiration.
It was in Iraq where
El-Said's roots and
fondest memories were
sewn. Predominantly,
Issam's work was a
profound expression of
his Iraqi identity, cultural
and religious heritage.
This was reflected
throughout, be in his
graphic etching,
paintings or indeed any
other media which he
explored and experimented
with. Subjects rooted at the core of Iraqi tradition were to dominate his work e.g.
the folkloric tales and story tellings, superstitions, amulets, the evil eye or indeed
that derived from the religion; Islam, suffisim and the Arabic word be it calligraphy
based on poetry or taken from the holy Quran. The vibrant colours which El-Said
employed throughout a large body of his works reflected the spirit of the land of
which he was so fond. Despite this however, it was inevitable that his works
also reflected his darker more disturbing memories; that of a tragic family history
and gruesome death.

Five Seated Women*
Limited edition etching
45x62cm
1978 SOLD
Collection of the British Museum

In a series of limited edition
etching, El-Said depicted the
Iraqi woman, serene, graceful
and always in her abaya
(a traditional black cloak worn
by women and men). The
abaya was however, never
black in colour, but rather
a sensational fusion of colourful
and decorative motifs.

Seated Woman (detail)
Limited edition etching
54x35cm
1982
IS031

At times these women
are in groups, at other
they are solitary; standing, sitting,
waiting by a door entrance,
a window or simply sitting on
the floor in a traditional fashion.
At other times they would be
seen attending a special
occasion such as a wedding,
whereby they would be depicted
playing musical instruments such
as the Daf (Tambourine), Oud
(Lute) or Dumbug (small drum) again,
in traditional style. Although Issam El-Said's women always faced
and engaged the viewer, they were nevertheless always faceless;
remaining mysterious and at times, haunting.


The Tambourine (detail)* Limited edition etching 54x35cm 1982 IS025	The Oud (detail)* Limited edition etching 54x35cm 1982 IS022


The Guest* (detail) Limited edition etching 54x35cm 1979 IS010	At the Door* (detail) Limited edition etching 54x35cm 1979 IS009

Woman in Balcony
Oil on wood
43x25cm
1969
IS 253
(SOLD)


Seated Woman* Limited edition etching 40x30cm 1973 IS015	Seated Woman* Limited edition etching 40x30cm 1973 IS017


Visitors* Limited edition print 34x34cm 1973 IS013 SOLD	The Image* Limited edition print 34x34cm 1973 IS016 SOLD

Women with Watermellon
(Hexagon)
Oil on canvas
100x100cm
1964
IS252

At the Window*
Limited edition etchig
40x30cm
1979
IS004


		Noah's Ark (detail) Mono print 36x15cm IS177


Wal Najmu Itha Hawa* Limited edition print 30x30cm 1980 IS132 SOLD	Wal Najmu Itha Hawa* Limited edition print 30x30cm 1980 IS136 SOLD


Tea Time Limited edition screen print 50x70cm IS301	Scented Bukhour Limited edition screen print 50x70cm IS302

The displayed text/artwork (or variations of it) is featured in the book Issam El-Said: Artist and Scholar. To purchase the book or any of the artworks illustrated in this website (unless otherwise indicated) please contact us.