Syrian artist Mahdi Hussein hosts wood burning art exhibition in Erbil

ERBIL – Syrian artist Mahdi Hussein has opened a wood burning art exhibition at the Gilgamesh Hall in Ankawa, showcasing 45 intricate portrait pieces of prominent Kurdish and Armenian figures, including artists, poets, and political leaders from Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran. The exhibition, which highlights the rare technique of wood burning and engraving, will run until next Saturday.

Hussein, speaking to 964media, explained his dedication to this niche art form: “I started focusing on wood burning 20 years ago. I’ve participated in five exhibitions in Erbil—two solo and three collective. This art is special to me because it’s affordable; I work with scrap wood and infuse it with emotion, turning it into something anyone can proudly display in their home.” Hussein emphasized the uniqueness of the medium, noting, “Unlike other forms of art, mistakes in wood burning are irreversible. A single error means discarding the piece and starting anew.”.

Rafiq Hanna, a theatre director attending the exhibition, praised Hussein’s work, describing wood burning as “an ancient art rediscovered by early humans who noticed the marks charcoal left behind.” Hanna added, “The wood used for these artworks is special and flexible, and this technique is rare nowadays.”