Balla Ahmed Ibrahim, born in 1987 in the Ranya District of the Kurdistan Region, has emerged as a distinguished and visionary painter, leaving an indelible mark on Erbil’s art community. Her journey from a young art enthusiast to one of the most active professional female artists in Kurdistan is both inspiring and impactful.

From a young age, Balla displayed a keen interest in the arts. She completed her primary and secondary education in Erbil before graduating from the Institute of Fine Arts in 2006, where she studied art. Her dedication to her craft quickly became evident as she opened three solo exhibitions and participated in 11 joint exhibitions, solidifying her reputation in the art world.

Balla’s artistic journey is deeply intertwined with her personal life. She is married to a fellow painter, Shemal Abdullah, and has been a significant influence on her husband’s success, showcasing the power of mutual support and collaboration. 

Forms and themes

The colorful and vibrant spaces in Balla Ahmed’s paintings reflect the world she aspires to create, representing her worldview and dreams rather than the reality around her. 

Balla is one of the most active and prominent contemporary Kurdish artists, having evolved through various stages in her career. Initially, her work was more figurative and academic, closely aligned with expressionism. She conveyed her ideas through the faces and postures of her subjects, arranging them as if they were posing for a photograph.

As her work has evolved, Balla embraced a wider range of materials and a greater degree of creative freedom, leading to significant technical advancements. This openness allowed her to express her perspectives more fully. During this phase, she skillfully incorporated her academic training and figurative techniques to masterfully manipulate space in her paintings.

Drawing inspiration from other artists is crucial for any artist’s development, and Balla is no exception. She continually seeks new experiences and methods. At certain points, she has been notably influenced by the expansive work of Spanish artist Miquel Barcelo, using diverse materials to enhance the artistic principles in her work.

Balla’s high treatment of form arises from contemplating everyday materials and reimagining them in a different space with artistic intent. This has resulted in a series of paintings where she methodically explores various forms and themes. Her work often features hanging clothes, the white shirts of Yezidi women, horns symbolizing conflict and domination, and recently, rosaries. These objects serve as the primary means through which Balla expresses her worldview within the space of her paintings.

Empowering the next generation

Although originally from Ranya, Balla has made Erbil her home for many years, forging strong connections with local organizations, schools, and institutes. Her collaborations have resulted in numerous exhibitions and projects, each reflecting her commitment to fostering a vibrant art scene. Balla’s ability to bring people together through art is one of her defining qualities.

Currently, Balla continues to advance her artistic career, with aspirations to further develop her work and serve society. She is committed to empowering the next generation of artists and fostering a community where creativity and innovation thrive. 

Beyond her exhibitions, Balla is dedicated to mentoring young artists, providing guidance and support to those passionate about the arts. Her paintings, rich in meaning and beauty, explore themes of freedom, peace, coexistence, women’s rights, and the beauty of her homeland. Each piece is a testament to her artistic vision, blending modernity with profound emotional and cultural expression.

Key Exhibitions and Projects

2007: Opens exhibition for three talented children at Media Gallery in Erbil.

2008: Showcases her skills in a portrait exhibition at Media Gallery.

2010: Holds first solo exhibition at Media Gallery.

2011: Participates in the annual Erbil Festival.

2012: Studies at the Duhok Art Gallery, opens a women’s exhibition at Merg Gallery, and takes part in a joint exhibition at the French Institute in Erbil.

2014: A special exhibition at Par Media in Erbil showcases her evolving artistic style.

2018: Holds joint exhibition with two other female artists at the French Institute in Erbil.

2020: Participates in a joint exhibition in the “War” project series in Erbil.

2021: Featured in the Art Frosh exhibition at VIM Foundation Gallery in Sulaymaniyah and collaborates with the German Goethe Institute for an exhibition at Framing School Gallery.

2022: Selected to attend the documentary festival in Kassel, Germany, and participates in the “Be Chwarchewa” project in Duhok and Sulaymaniyah, and at the Erbil Festival.

2024: Participates in an art symposium at the German Goethe Institute.

Shamal Saadullah is a prolific Kurdish artist. He currently works as Art Director at Erbil Plain Directorate of Education.