Artist Saad Hifthi brings open-air exhibit to life in Hit

ANBAR — Saad Hifthi, a self-taught amateur artist from the city of Hit, opened an open-air art exhibition near the town’s iconic waterwheels, showcasing a personal collection of paintings inspired by nature, heritage, and emotional expression.

Titled Moqtatafat, the exhibition was set up in “Ard Al-Nawaeer,” a public space known for its connection to Hit’s cultural identity. Hifthi said he chose the location to keep the exhibit close to the people and rooted in the city’s environment.

“I’m not a professional painter or a trained artist,” Hifthi told 964media. “These are simply paintings I liked and wanted to share with people to promote visual culture and art appreciation.”

The artist spent nearly a year preparing for the show and said he hopes to organize more exhibitions in the future. “The audience’s presence and response gave me strong motivation to continue and present more work,” he said.

Hifthi credited a close mentor, Saad Abdul Hamid Dhuwaib, for encouraging him to pursue his artistic path.

Visitors to the exhibit praised the authenticity and emotional depth of the work. “Some of the paintings expressed the city’s history sincerely, while others carried a personal depth reflecting the artist’s vision and feelings,” said Sinan Abdulwahab, who attended the event. “We support all cultural and artistic activities in our city. Hit is rich in creative people, and this is evident in their artistic and expressive works.”

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