Widad Al-Orfali Enter a
feeling, not
a gallery.
Choose a mood and the room itself answers — the light cools or warms, the air changes pace, and only the works that carry that feeling step forward from the dark. Everything else recedes into shadow.
Widad Al-Orfali
Early Life and Education Born: Baghdad, Iraq (1954) Widad Al-Orfali's upbringing was steeped in Iraqi culture and intellectual pursuits. Her father, Makki Al-Orfali, held a position as a judge, fostering an environment that valued education and civic engagement. She pursued higher education at the Beirut College for Women before transferring to Queen Alia College in Baghdad. Her formal artistic training took place at the Instit
ute of Art in Baghdad, where she studied under influential artists such as Faiq Hassan, Faraj Abbo, and Ismail al-Shaikhly. She graduated from the institute in 1960. Artistic Style and Themes Al-Orfali is best known for her captivating paintings depicting "dream cities" or fantasy cityscapes. These works are characterized by intricate details, vibrant colors, and a sense of otherworldly beauty. Her artistic style evolved over ti…