Exhibition gives artists a space to express religious sorrows

BASRA, July 29 — The Artistic Experiences Gathering organized an event for freehand drawing in the Al-Taweesa area in central Basra.

Twenty young artists participated in the event, portraying various stories from the Al-Taf event.

Artist Ali Al-Qurashi told 964: “For the past 15 years, we have been capturing the events of Al-Taf in our own way. We start by drawing the paintings in the first ten days [of Muharram] and then move to Karbala in the days leading up to the fortieth day of Imam Hussein.”

“The paintings are created using acrylic, oil, and charcoal materials, and we bear all the costs related to the event.”

Steve and Alan, two tourists from Spain, stated: “We arrived in Iraq today, and we are excited to explore the culture of its people and witness the rituals of Ashura.”

“We are amazed by the different activities; each person expresses their sorrow in their own way, but love and affection unite them all.”

“We are impressed by these paintings and all the manifestations of art and beauty in the Ashura ceremonies.”