Visual artist and sculptor Zahraa Aqeel is Linköping’s new ICORN resident
In September 2024, contemporary Iraqi visual artist and sculptor Zahraa Aqeel began a two-year ICORN residency in Linköping, Sweden.
Through her paintings and sculptures, Aqeel explores expressive and abstract themes using a diverse range of materials and approaches. A recurring theme in Aqeel’s art is the woman’s body in closed spaces, representing the difficult circumstances and harsh social environments women often faced, with restrictions, isolation, and forced lifestyles which do not align with their aspirations and potential. In addition to her artistic work, Aqeel holds a bachelor’s degree in political science.
Through her art, Aqeel highlights the void left by women’s forced exclusion from society, which is often a result of complex social and political constraints. Drawing on her personal experiences, Aqeel brings depth to her work in pursuit of artistic and aesthetic value.
Due to the bold themes of her work, Aqeel’s works were often rejected by art galleries. She countered this censorship by transforming the walls of Baghdad’s public squares through street art in support of freedom of expression, women’s rights, and anti-corruption measures.
In October 2019, during the uprising in Iraq, Aqeel painted murals and inscribed slogans chanted by young protesters demanding change.
A female artist and activist whose work explores controversial themes in the context of Iraqi society, Aqeel has faced censorship and exclusion from the conventional artistic environment. Turning to social media for visibility, Aqeel faced additional online backlash for her art and campaigning during the 2019 Tishreen Movement.
In 2020, Aqeel fled to Turkey where she remained until 2024 when she began an ICORN residency in Linköping. She continues her artistic and activist work from exile.
Linköping ICORN City of Refuge
Linköping joined ICORN in 2014. It is the fifth largest city in Sweden and a cultural, educational, and human rights hub in the Östergötland region.
As a City of Refuge, Linköping has hosted four writers, artists, and journalists in ICORN residencies- Housam Al-Mosilli, Jahanara Nuri, Mahsa Malekmarzban, and Zahraa Aqeel.
