Babil hosts first all-women art exhibition, spotlighting female voices in visual arts

BABIL — The Wadd Cultural and Arts Hall in Hilla hosted the first all-women art exhibition in Babil governorate, showcasing more than 70 works by 20 female artists and signaling a new chapter for female artistic expression in the region.

Artists from a range of backgrounds — including academic professionals and self-taught painters — displayed pieces spanning styles from expressionism to abstract. Organizers described the exhibit as a significant cultural milestone and a rare platform for women artists to present their work publicly.

“This women’s exhibition is the first of its kind,” said artist Khamael Mohsen. “It gave many artists the chance to display their achievements for the first time. I participated with two abstract expressionist paintings, both open to interpretation beyond my personal vision.”

Poet Linda Ibrahim, who traveled from Syria to attend, praised the exhibit as an emerging cultural force. “I came to see what the women of Babil have created, and I felt a movement forming — an artistic feminist force. The feminine voice I’ve long searched for was clearly embodied here in both subject and technique,” she said.

Amer Marzouk, dean of the College of Fine Arts at the University of Babil, echoed that sentiment. “It’s important these experiences move from private to public view,” he said. “This exhibition is a first step toward a real artistic women’s movement in the city.”

Wadd Hall director Basim Al-Asmawi described the event as a milestone in the governorate’s cultural life. “We launched a women’s exhibition featuring 20 artists from Babil, with diverse academic backgrounds. More than 70 artworks were displayed. The participants’ work stems from personal experiences, and this is the first event of its kind for female visual artists in the governorate.”

Participating artist Asmaa Al-Tamimi said the experience was the beginning of more to come. “This exhibition will be the starting point for future women-led events. I contributed two abstract pieces that reflect my thoughts, but the public can interpret them in different ways, giving the exhibit a new interactive depth.”