Iraqi-Dutch artist Sadik Kwaish Alfraji showcases a new exhibition at Galerie Tanit, Beirut titled ‘Charcoal, Ink and a Donkey’ from April 11th until May 16th, 2024.
Throughout history, donkeys have been integral to human civilization, aiding in various tasks such as field ploughing, transportation, and laborious activities like construction and milling. As humanity’s oldest domesticated animal, the destinies of humans and donkeys have been deeply intertwined. However, despite their contributions, donkeys often endure misconceptions of being stubborn or unintelligent, leading to mistreatment and neglect. In his solo exhibition, Sadik Kwaish Alfraji seeks to rectify these perceptions by honouring and celebrating the significance of these animals.
Alfraji draws inspiration from two primary sources for this body of work: his upbringing in the impoverished suburb of Baghdad, Madinat al-Thawra, and George Orwell’s allegorical novel “Animal Farm” (1945). Seamlessly weaving together childhood memories of donkeys with Orwell’s portrayal of the donkey as a discerning observer, Alfraji’s large-scale canvases depict the animal from various perspectives, capturing its essence in ink and charcoal. These artworks present the donkey against stark backgrounds, highlighting its intrinsic nature beyond servitude to humans.
