Renowned for its medieval architecture and vibrant intellectual life, Krakow – one of Europe’s cultural capitals – added a new thread to its rich tapestry this spring: an evocative exhibition of Kurdish art that became a powerful platform for cross-cultural dialogue.
In a landmark cultural event, fourteen pioneering Kurdish women artists showcased their creative talents in a thought-provoking exhibition held in the heart of Krakow, Poland’s cultural capital. This rare and powerful display marked the first time in history that a collective of Kurdish women artists has exhibited their work in the city.
The exhibition highlighted the depth and diversity of Kurdish artistic heritage, blending ancestral motifs with contemporary media and forms. From vibrant textiles to emotionally resonant paintings, each piece told a story of identity, memory, and homeland.
Running from April 3 until May 1, the exhibition captivated audiences with its seamless blend of tradition and contemporary expression. The artists’ authentic and innovative masterpieces resonated deeply with European viewers, connecting the artistic traditions of Kurdistan and Poland.
Visitors were particularly struck by the way the Kurdish artists conveyed identity, history, and resilience through their craft. Through a variety of media, including intricate handicrafts and mixed-media pieces, the collection offered a vibrant reflection of Kurdistan’s rich cultural mosaic highlighting its diverse ethnicities and heritage.
The gallery space itself became a testament to Kurdish creativity, as each work whispered stories of hope, resistance, and a deep connection to homeland. This exhibition not only elevated the visibility of Kurdish art on the international stage, but also fostered meaningful cross-cultural dialogue between the Kurdish and Polish communities.
The KRG’s support of art
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has been unwavering in its support for the arts, and this event was supported and sponsored by the Kurdistan Center for Arts and Culture, under the supervision of the KRG Representative to Poland Ziad Raoof, who owns a gallery in Krakow.
“Kurdish women artists, drawing from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds, use their bodies, voices, and art to redefine identity beyond traditional norms,” Representative Raoof said. “The artists boldly engaged with global themes such as gender, the environment, and politics through contemporary forms like performance, video art, and installation, giving their work a unique local-global resonance.”
Prominent artist Shan Faisal explained the exhibition’s themes. “Some of the artworks here reflect on Kurdish identity through the lens of resilience and femininity, emphasizing the historical and symbolic role of Kurdish women as central figures in both cultural preservation and resistance. Drawing on ancient references, the artist juxtaposes the celebrated bravery of Kurdish warriors with the often-overlooked strength of Kurdish women, describing them as both participants in and shapers of history,” Faisal said.
One featured figure is Margaret George, the first female peshmerga and an Assyrian Kurdish freedom fighter, whose 1969 martyrdom under the Ba’athist regime symbolizes both personal sacrifice and collective defiance. For the artist, Kurdish women embody an enduring force in the struggle for freedom, encapsulated in the powerful slogan: Jin, Jiyan, Azadi – woman, life, freedom.
The venue of the event
The Krakow exhibition was supervised by the prominent Polish curator Waclaw Kuczma and held at the historical Palace of Fine Arts, which was built in 1901. The aesthetic of pieces enhanced the beauty of the space, and the artist’s vibrant palette of bold blacks and deep blues gave the paintings a dramatic, emotional intensity.
“This exhibition engages with the enduring and contested ideal of freedom, a concept frequently referenced yet unevenly realized throughout history,” Kuczma explained. “It affirms the universal right to autonomy over one’s body, choices, and existence, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or geography.
“Central to the exhibition are the works of Kurdish women artists, whose practices reflect resistance, resilience, and the pursuit of self-determination. Their contributions serve both as artistic expressions and as acts of solidarity with broader struggles for human rights and freedom,” Kuczma said.
As the doors of the Palace of Fine Arts closed on this chapter, they opened new pathways for artistic diplomacy, illuminating how art can forge bonds across borders.
Aryan Tahsin is a Kurdish journalist based in Erbil, Kurdistan Region.
