Kurdish painter and writer Hama Hashim has opened a new art exhibition titled “Faces of the Aftermath” at the Reperaj Art Gallery inside Oradea Fortress in Romania. The exhibition presents nearly 50 paintings that explore memory, history, resilience, and hope through powerful visual storytelling.
During the opening ceremony, Hashim described the exhibition as an invitation to reflect on shared human experiences. He said his paintings represent more than artistic expression. Instead, they serve as silent witnesses to stories of suffering, endurance, and perseverance.
The exhibition includes both large and small artworks. Hashim’s biggest painting measures almost three meters in length. He explained that he transported every artwork from the Kurdistan Region to Romania specifically for this international exhibition.
“The exhibition features nearly 50 artworks of different sizes,” Hashim said. “My largest painting is almost three meters long, and I brought every piece from Kurdistan to Romania for this special event.”
Furthermore, Hashim said art creates connections between people from different cultures. He believes artistic exchange helps people overcome borders while encouraging understanding and dialogue. According to him, every cultural encounter strengthens human relationships and brings communities closer together.
The artist explained that his paintings preserve historical memory while transforming painful experiences into creative expression. He said each work combines artistic techniques with memories that remain deeply connected to the Kurdish people’s history. Through art, he hopes suffering can inspire creativity and give life greater meaning.
Moreover, Hashim emphasized that artists never create in isolation. Instead, they remain connected to their land, history, and society. For him, art becomes a voice for emotions and experiences that words often cannot express.
The exhibition centers on three main themes: memory, stone, and history. Hashim described these elements as symbols of humanity’s struggles, resistance, and survival. He also stressed that art plays an important role in defending freedom and preserving human conscience against oppression.
Born in Koya district, Erbil, in 1973, Hashim graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts. Throughout his career, he has organized 15 solo exhibitions across several countries and participated in more than 150 international group exhibitions. In addition, he has written six books on art, covering influential artists and major artistic movements.
