I was born in Baghdad in 1975, during a time when war and its representations shaped the
lives of my generation. From childhood, we were exposed to relentless images of conflict,
broadcast on Iraqi television without restraint. These violent visuals, part of the regime's war
propaganda, created an atmosphere of anxiety and were imposed on us as a collective
memory we were obliged to preserve. This left us entangled in a paradoxical world where
intimacy, violence, and propaganda were inextricably linked.
As we grew older, the confusion deepened. We were further influenced by images from
American drones, which blurred the lines between reality and fiction. The pixelated, black-and-
white footage, often resembling video games more than real-life events, manipulated our
perceptions. These images, though documenting devastating realities, sometimes captivated
us more with their technology than with the destruction they depicted. The challenge of
discerning personal memory from manipulated reality became a central theme in my artistic
exploration.
Through my paintings, I attempt to reconnect with these fragmented memories and find
coherence between collective and individual experiences. By reproducing and reinterpreting
these images, I invite viewers to question the impact of media and technology on our
understanding of the world. My work aims to shed light on the unsettling realities hidden
behind these seemingly fictional portrayals, urging a deeper reflection on how our perceptions
are shaped and distorted by the images we consume.

Artists: Hamdan Saray