A distinctive triangular-format oil on canvas Naziha Selim, one of Iraq’s most celebrated modernist painters and a pioneering female figure of the Baghdad Group for Modern Art. This expressive work depicts an abstracted nocturnal cityscape rendered in dynamic strokes of earthy ochres, deep blacks, and muted greys, illuminated by a prominent full moon above. Architectural forms—arched doorways, domes, and clustered buildings—are suggested through vigorous, textural brushwork, giving the composition a dreamlike, atmospheric quality.
In the foreground, a row of large vessels painted in vibrant turquoise and green hues provides a striking chromatic contrast, anchoring the composition and creating a sense of depth. The unconventional triangular canvas format enhances the artwork’s modernist sensibility and adds to its visual impact.
The painting is executed on its original canvas, stretched over a triangular wooden frame. The reverse shows age-related wear, small areas of canvas fraying, and minor losses along the edges, consistent with handling and storage over time. The surface exhibits scattered abrasions and paint texture typical of Selim’s expressive working method.
A rare and compelling example of Selim’s imaginative approach to form, space, and colour, showcasing her ability to merge heritage motifs with a distinctly modern visual language.
Provenance: Private UK Collection
65 x 57cm
