Kurdish painter Ahmed Nabaz says his participation in an upcoming international painting exhibition in Poland represents an opportunity to introduce Kurdistan’s artistic heritage and Kurdish culture to audiences from around the world.
Nabaz, together with Kurdish artists Kosar Jalal and Khairi Adam, will participate in the 27th International Painting Exhibition, Colors of Małopolska, scheduled to begin Monday, Aug. 3, 2026, in the city of Miechów.
The two-week event will bring together 28 artists representing Croatia, Kurdistan, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
Speaking to Kurdistan24, Nabaz said the exhibition serves as an international meeting point where artists exchange ideas and creative experiences while building cultural connections.
“Participating in this international exhibition is an opportunity to introduce the art of Kurdistan and Kurdish culture internationally,” he said.
“These kinds of gatherings open the door to mutual understanding, cooperation, and the exchange of artistic experiences among artists from around the world. I hope our works will present a positive image of Kurdistan’s artistic scene.”
Art beyond the canvas
Nabaz explained that participating artists will spend nearly two weeks working together in Miechów and neighboring areas, drawing inspiration from local landscapes and historical sites before transforming those experiences into paintings.
He said the event’s goal goes beyond producing artworks.
“The main objective is not simply to create paintings,” he said. “It is also about strengthening relationships between artists and bringing different cultures closer together.”
According to Nabaz, the program will conclude with a collective exhibition featuring newly created works by all participating artists, allowing Polish audiences and international visitors to experience the outcome of the artistic collaboration.
Ahmed Nabaz was born in Erbil in 1986 and graduated from the College of Fine Arts in Erbil, specializing in painting. He has organized several solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group exhibitions both within the country and abroad.