Mishaal Atheer

“I use abstract figures in order to give these statues a universal quality. Frequently, these figures come in groups; they are couples or families, and I often let them share a body or link them physically. With this, I try to capture the universal constants that exist everywhere: family, romantic, love, friendship. My figures also reflect Iraq: They are often standing on their feet, but they are static without a sense of motion, to reflect the limitations I felt growing up in a dictatorship. The shape of the legs, shoulders, and arms in most of my figures is influenced by ancient Mesopotamian art. I feel that I am a continuation of these ancient artists.”