Governorate's oldest
Diyala artist cultivates community through art supply store
DIYALA — Kamel Mohammed Khalil, also known as Kamel Al-Daghestani, has spent the past 30 years in his Baquba district store surrounded by brushes and colors, establishing it not only as the oldest and most renowned fine art supplier in Diyala but also as a workshop and gathering place for local artists.
Khalil shared with 964media the origins of his store and his special relationship with artists, which transcends the typical customer-seller dynamic. “My beginnings in art were very simple, starting from childhood by watching my father, an artist who had a keen eye for detail. His guidance still influences me,” he said.
“The store has been a significant part of my life, as if it is part of my body and mind. I continued to develop my talent, and the Daghestani Store became what it is today, contributing to the artistic community in the governorate and attracting art enthusiasts,” Khalil added.
He opened his store in 1994. Over time, it became known for its specialization in drawing, sculpting, and decorating supplies, becoming a resource for both beginners and seasoned artists.
“The unique aspect of the store is that we do not just sell art materials; we also provide information on their use and help artists understand how to work with them,” he said.
Al-Daghestani noted that initially, the materials were simple and mostly from China. But now, the store offers a greater variety, including products from the U.S., France, Russia, the U.K., and even Iran.
“The brushes used for painting vary, from those for watercolors, which are sensitive and made from natural materials like wool or animal tails, to synthetic brushes of good quality from the U.S., France, and Germany, intended for oil and acrylic paints. Prices range from 1,000 dinars ($0.68) to $20 or $25 per brush,” he said.
Chinese-made paints are cheaper than those from the U.S. and France.
“Among the notable brands are France’s Pébéo and the Dutch company Van Gogh. These are pricey, but their value is evident in the results on the canvas,” he said.
“I offer discounts to artists in Diyala because I consider artists to be treasures, and I hold all of them, especially those from Diyala, in high regard.”
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