Shamal Saadullah’s artistic journey is a captivating exploration of time, history, and the human condition. Like a sculptor meticulously shaping clay, Saadullah takes fragments of various artistic movements and melds them with his own vision, forging a unique style.

His artistic career began in 2007 when he graduated from the Erbil Institute of Fine Arts. There he had honed his academic skills, building a technical foundation that would influence his artistic expression for years to come. However, Saadullah was not content with mere technical mastery. He craved a space for freedom, a canvas where vibrant colors and diverse materials could dance together, reflecting the ever-changing world around him.

This yearning for expression led him to explore a profound theme: the relentless march of time. It became a mirror reflecting his own contemplation on the ever-shifting sands of history and the mysteries of life and death that bind us all. His work captures a potent mix of personal anxieties and a broader sense of unease, a collective fear embedded in the very fabric of human existence across cultures.

Saadullah’s artistic choices are deliberate that weave a visual narrative, inviting viewers to confront the harsh realities with which he himself has grappled. For four years, he poured his creative energy into a series titled “Dastan,” a visual tapestry depicting the timeless stories of humanity from its origins. This exploration of human history has offered him a vast canvas for thought and a chance to delve into the core of existence.

His artistic trajectory, however, took an unexpected turn with Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This act of violence became an unwelcome muse, pushing a new, potent theme to the forefront of his work: the ominous shapes of giant mushrooms, symbolic of the atom’s destructive power. His latest series, titled “Atom,” confronts us with the unnerving possibility of our present becoming humanity’s final chapter. Through his art, Saadullah portrays the visceral fear of utter destruction, a chilling premonition of the Earth, our home, succumbing to its ultimate demise.

Shamal Saadullah’s art is a powerful testament to the human capacity to grapple with the complexities of existence. It is a poignant reminder of our shared past, the uncertainties of the present, and the ever-present shadow of what may lie ahead.