(b. 1939)
Born in Iraq in 1939, Al-Azzawi studied art and archeology at the Faculty of Arts in Baghdad University. He then participated in a major exhibition of Arab art which toured the Middle East, London and Rome. In 1974 he took part in the first Triennale in International art in India. In 1976 Al-Azzawi was appointed art consultant at the Iraqi Cultural Centre in London. By arranging exhibitions for Arab and Iraqi artists at the centre, he was instrumental in introducing Arab art to the British public. His artworks were on display for the 4th and 5th International Biennale of Poster, held in Yugoslavia. The highlight of Al-Azzawi’s artistic career came in 1976 when he participate in the Venice Biennale. Al-Azzawi now lives in London where he is an artist and collector. He regularly publishes his commentary on Iraqi contemporary art and Arab art. In March 2009 a retrospective exhibition of his works was held at the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival.