Saddam Jumaily & Kholod Hawash

Saddam Jumaily (born Saddam Al Saeedi in Basra, Iraq, 1974) is a painter and sculptor with a significant following in his country, where he is known for works that use symbolism to deal with memory and nostalgia. From 1999-2000 Jumaily studied for a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts (Painting) at Basra University College of Fine Arts, Iraq, where he also completed an MA. He later became a respected lecturer at the university, where his thinking and art was much valued by his students.

Kholod Hawash is a self-taught textile artist Born in Basra, Iraq. Her work is inspired by the heritage and archaeological landscapes of the region she is from. Its bold symbols and forms convey strong local narratives. Kholod has participated in many group exhibitions in Iraq and Jordan as well as having held solo shows at Jacaranda Gallery (2010) and Dar Al Anda Gallery (2018) in Jordan.


During our stay in Helsinki we are planning to work on ongoing and new projects as well as develop further our practices. —Saddam & Kholod


Saddam and Kholod are currently in residency at HIAP as part of the new longer-term AR-ICORN Safe Haven Helsinki Residency. This programme is curated by Perpetuum Mobile – PM and co-hosted By PM and HIAP. It is funded by the Department of Culture and Leisure of the City of Helsinki.

With the City of Helsinki becoming a member of the International City of Refuge Network (ICORN), one AR-Residency per year is designated as an AR-ICORN Residency, forming an integral part of AR-Safe Haven Helsinki’s longer-term-stay programme.