Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Behind Bars

Name Class Date

Muhraddin Abdul-Hussain, Behind Bars (2011), Ibrahimi Collection. Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Muhraddin Abdul-Hussain originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/muhraddin-abdul-hussain/
Artist’s dates
1940 – 2014
Painted
2011
Medium
Painting
Original size
45 x 40 cm
Movement
Expressionism Colour and shape deliberately distorted so the picture shows an emotion rather than a likeness.
Period
Contemporary
Held at
Ibrahimi Collection originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/ibrahimi-collection-amman/
Artistic style
Abstract and Expressionist
Subject or theme
Human condition, isolation, and fear

In context

Behind Bars — Muhraddin Abdul-Hussain

How big is it?

The original measures 45 × 40 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1940
  2. 1950
  3. 1960
  4. 1970
  5. 1980
  6. 1990
  7. 2000
  8. 2010

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 74 at death.

Painted when the artist was 71. The artist lived to 74. 0 of the 2 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.

Shaded: the lifetime of Muhraddin Abdul-Hussain (1940–2014) ▲ this work, 2011 every dated painting, decade by decade

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/muhraddin-abdul-hussain-behind-bars-D73FUT-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Espresso #36343c

    Catalogued palette

    • #36343C
    • #CD4241
    • #867B74
    • #734142

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Dark The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Espresso
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Gentle How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Shadow How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Clear Color Presence How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Muhraddin Abdul-Hussain over the last twelve months — 1 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 100.0%

    Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

    The 2 most looked-at works by Muhraddin Abdul-Hussain

    1. 1 Behind Bars, 2011 this painting 66.7%
    2. 2 The New Mongolian Occupation of Iraq, 2011 33.3%

    Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 2 works by this artist, of which 2 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 1 of them, with 66.7% of that attention. The same counts, month by month

    Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Muhraddin Abdul-Hussain

    Born in Baghdad, Iraq

    early life and education

    muhraddin abdul-hussain, also known as mohammed muhraddin, was born in baghdad, iraq in 1940. he was a prominent iraqi artist known for his abstract and expressionist paintings. he studied at the institute of fine arts in baghdad and later at the royal college of art in london.

    artistic style and themes

    muhraddin's work often depicted the human condition, exploring themes of isolation, loneliness, and the passage of time. his artistic style was characterized by its abstract and expressionist elements, which reflected his deep understanding of the human experience.

    notable artworks and exhibitions

    muhraddin's artworks have been exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions in iraq, europe, and the united states, showcasing his unique style and contribution to the art world.

    some of his notable artworks can be found on AllPaintingsStore.com, which provides a comprehensive collection of his works.

    his artwork, like untitled, is a testament to his abstract expressionist style, which has been influential in the development of modern iraqi art.

    legacy and influence

    muhraddin abdul-hussain's legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists, and his work remains a vital part of iraq's rich cultural heritage. his influence can be seen in various aspects of modern iraqi art, from the use of abstract elements to the exploration of themes related to the human condition.

    related artists and art movements

    khadim hayder, another influential iraqi artist, has been compared to muhraddin abdul-hussain in terms of their use of symbolism and poetic allegory.

    the ashcan school movement, known for its realistic portrayal of daily life, has been cited as an influence on muhraddin's work, particularly in his earlier pieces.

    for more information on the ashcan school, visit AllPaintingsStore.com's art styles section.

    conclusion

    muhraddin abdul-hussain's remarkable body of work has left an indelible mark on the world of art. his abstract expressionist style, coupled with his thought-provoking themes, continues to captivate audiences and inspire artists alike. as a prominent figure in iraqi art, muhraddin abdul-hussain's legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.

    view more artworks by muhraddin abdul-hussain on AllPaintingsStore.com.

    explore the royal college of art in london's website for more information on muhraddin's education and influences.

    Museum

    Ibrahimi Collection

    On show in Amman, Jordan

    A Sanctuary of Iraqi Resilience

    In the vibrant heart of Amman, Jordan, lies a sanctuary that transcends the boundaries of a traditional gallery, serving instead as a profound testament to the enduring spirit of Iraqi creativity. The

    Ibrahimi Collection

    is not merely an exhibition space but a carefully curated refuge dedicated to safeguarding and disseminating the luminous artistic legacy of modern and contemporary Iraq. Founded by Hasanain Al-Ibrahimy, this private institution acts as a vital bridge between the storied past of Baghdad and the global art community. While many institutions attempt to capture the breadth of human history, the Ibrahimi Collection possesses the rare courage of singular focus, concentrating its immense energy on the evolution of Iraqi art from the early twentieth century onward. This deliberate depth allows visitors to witness a nation's soul through its brushstrokes and sculptures, tracing a journey marked by both unparalleled imaginative leaps and the profound challenges of a changing political landscape.

    The architectural essence of the museum is as intentional as the art it houses. Designed to harmonize seamlessly with its precious contents, the building prioritizes clean, modern lines and an abundance of natural light, creating an atmosphere of contemplative serenity. This luminous environment provides the perfect stage for works that demand both scrutiny and emotion. Within these walls, the collection breathes through monumental sculptural visions and evocative canvases that invite a deep, meditative engagement with Middle Eastern modernism.

    Masterworks and Artistic Legacies

    The collection serves as a vital archive for scholars and academics, holding invaluable documents, exhibition catalogs, and images that contribute to the global understanding of Iraqi artistic history. For collectors and interior designers seeking pieces of profound cultural weight, the halls offer an immersive encounter with masters of the craft. The collection is particularly noted for its ability to showcase the following:

    The Sculptural Vision of Jewad Selim:

    As arguably Iraq’s most iconic figure, his pioneering works embody a modernist impulse to reimagine form and materiality, seeking to forge a new Iraqi identity through bold, tactile expressions.

    The Social Commentary of Widad Al-Orfali:

    Her evocative paintings are imbued with powerful social commentary. Her distinctive style, characterized by intricate layering and symbolic imagery, invites the viewer into the complex, multifaceted layers of the Iraqi experience.

    A Rigorous Research Archive:

    Beyond the aesthetic pleasure of the displayed works, the institution serves as a repository for artistic publications, including books, magazines, and exhibition catalogs that document the endeavors of Iraqi fine artists.

    By providing access to these archives, the museum fosters a continuous dialogue between Iraqi heritage and international art discourse. Whether one is visiting during its dedicated Monday and Wednesday afternoon hours or delving into its digital presence, the collection offers an encounter with a culture that refuses to be silenced. It stands as a beacon of cultural resilience, ensuring that the vibrant colors, symbols, and stories of Iraq continue to inspire generations of artists and art lovers worldwide.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Behind Bars

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/muhraddin-abdul-hussain-behind-bars-D73FUT-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Abdul-Hussain, Muhraddin. Behind Bars. 2011, Ibrahimi Collection. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/muhraddin-abdul-hussain-behind-bars-D73FUT-en/
    APA
    Abdul-Hussain, Muhraddin (2011). Behind Bars [Painting]. Ibrahimi Collection. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/muhraddin-abdul-hussain-behind-bars-D73FUT-en/
    Chicago
    Muhraddin Abdul-Hussain. Behind Bars. 2011. Ibrahimi Collection. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/muhraddin-abdul-hussain-behind-bars-D73FUT-en/
    Harvard
    Abdul-Hussain, Muhraddin (2011) Behind Bars. Ibrahimi Collection. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/muhraddin-abdul-hussain-behind-bars-D73FUT-en/

    Look closely

    Behind Bars — Muhraddin Abdul-Hussain

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: expressionism, portrait, eerie. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at The New Mongolian Occupation of Iraq (2011), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Expressionism: Colour and shape deliberately distorted so the picture shows an emotion rather than a likeness. Where can you see that in this work?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the overall mood of "Behind Bars" by Muhraddin Abdul-Hussain?

    The overall mood of "Behind Bars" by Muhraddin Abdul-Hussain is dramatic. The mood describes the general atmosphere of the work.

    What subjects appear in "Behind Bars" by Muhraddin Abdul-Hussain?

    The subjects of "Behind Bars" are expressionism, portrait, eerie, human condition, isolation, dark subject, monstrous face.

    What style does "Behind Bars" belong to?

    "Behind Bars" is a work of Expressionism. The movement indicates the artistic tradition the work is part of.