Rawan Almukhtar, born in Iraq in 1991 and currently based in Vienna, Austria. His art is deeply influenced by his background as a political activist. His art revolves around themes of migration, identity, and state violence, reflecting on his own experiences and broader societal issues.
In his series HIJRA, Almukhtar challenges conventional perspectives on migration by creating alternative spaces that disrupt established gaze regimes. Drawing from his personal memories of his flight and the Balkan route, he explores the fluidity of borders and the fleeting moments of resistance within them, offering a visual language that defies traditional boundary lines.
Almukhtar's work blurs the lines between art and activism, often oscillating between photorealism and figurative art to convey the complexities of his subjects. His pieces delve into the concept of state-sanctioned violence, examining global entanglements and political responsibilities. For instance, his piece The Chosen Arm visually dissects the Austrian-made sniper rifle HS.50, shedding light on the consequences of political decisions and the role of nations in perpetuating violence.
Overall, Rawan Almukhtar's art serves as a multifaceted exploration of power dynamics and resistance, urging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of borders, identity, and political accountability.
Credits: Myassa Kraitt
EDUCATION
Diploma Studies – Academy of Fine Arts (Fine Arts / Art and Intervention | Concept)
Vienna, Austria | 2018 – 2024
Bachelor of Arts – University of Baghdad (Fine Arts / Painting)
Baghdad, Iraq | 2011 – 2015
EXHIBITIONS - SELECTION
2025 – Joint Solo Exhibition – Kunsthalle Wien Preis, Kunsthalle Wien, Vienna (AT)
2024 – Group Exhibition – Place des Vosges, Paris (FR)
Exhibited with Galerie Meyer Kainer, Vienna
2024 – Solo Exhibition – Galerie Meyer*Kainer, Boltenstern.Raum, Vienna (AT)
2024 – Artist Statement Presentation – Parallel Vienna, Vienna (AT)
2024 – Open House Exhibition – Rundgang, Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, Vienna (AT)
2022 – Group Exhibition – OFFLINE by Rerun on Art, Künstlerhaus Vienna (AT)
2022 – Group Exhibition – Oikos ‘The House’ Exhibition, WIENWOCHE - festival for art and activism, Vienna (AT)
2021 – Solo exhibition – Deframing Postmigration, Atelier Mukhtar, Vienna (AT)
2020 – Group Exhibition – Stay awake, Raumschiff, Linz (AT)
2020 – Open House Exhibition – Rundgang, Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, Vienna (AT)
2019 – Open House Exhibition – Rundgang, Academy of Fine Arts Vienna, Vienna (AT)
2016 – Solo Exhibition – Raum im Raum, Vienna (AT)
2016 – Performance & Exhibition – Out of Space, mo.ë, Vienna (AT)
2015 – Contemporary art Exhibition – Tarkib for contemporary art, Baghdad (IQ), Berlin (DE)
2013 – Contemporary Art Exhibition – Border to Baghdad (Sada), Baghdad (IQ) & Rubin Center, El Paso (US)
2012 – Group Exhibition – Visual codes, Baghdad (IQ)
2012 – Group Exhibition – Glitter in the sky of alienation 13th, Beirut (LB)
2010 – Group Exhibition – Alssady 7th festival for visual arts, Baghdad (IQ)
AWARDS, SCHOLARSHIPS & NOMINATIONS
2024 – Kunsthalle Wien Preis, Vienna (AT)
2024 – Nomination – Belvedere Art Award, Vienna (AT)
2023 – Shortlisted – Exile Visual Arts Award by Körber-Stiftung, Berlin (DE)
2022 – Nomination – Belvedere Art Award, Vienna (AT)
2021 – Scholarship – Kültür gemma – project for promotion of artistic work by migrants and BI-POC, Vienna (AT)
2015 – Art prize award – Ishtar award for young Artist from the Iraqi Fine Arts Association, Baghdad (IQ)
LECTURE PERFORMANCES & STAGE DESIGN
2024 – Stage Design Contribution – KDM Königin der Macht performance series
Featuring Epistemic Kitsch, The Cosen Arm & DUKHANIA as part of the stage design
Wiener Festwochen | Free Republic of Vienna, Volkstheater, Vienna (AT)
2024 – Lecture Performance – Response_ability on Trail
mdw, University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna (AT)
2024 – Response_ability on Trail, Lecture Performance
CREA, University of Amsterdam (NL)
2023 – Stage Design Contribution – KDM Königin der Macht Performance
Featuring Epistemic Kitsch as part of the stage design
CLUB LIAISON, in collaboration with Wiener Festwochen, fjk3 – Raum für Zeitgenössische Kunst, Vienna (AT)
2023 – Lecture performance – Response_ability on Trail
Humboldt university, Berlin (DE)
2022 – Performance Evening – Discourse and Performance Program KDM Königin der Macht
Featuring Epistemic Kitsch, The Chosen Arm & Film Mukhtar
In collaboration with VBKÖ at mumok – Museum of Modern Art, Vienna (AT)
2022 – Mamageddon – KDM Königin der Macht, Performance
Featuring Epistemic Kitsch & Film Mukhtar as stage design
Dschungel Wien – Theater house for young audience, WUK – an alternative cultural center, Vienna (AT)