Salem Mathkour is an Iraqi visual artist whose work reflects the landscapes, people, and histories of his homeland. Born in Al-Emarah, often called “the Iraqi village”, he studied Fine Arts at the University of Baghdad before relocating to Jordan in 1993 and later settling in Qatar in 1999.
Mathkour’s work blends realism with poetic abstraction, capturing the resilience of Iraq’s people through textured brushwork, muted tones, and emotive figures. His paintings, often depicting women, children, and rural life, explore themes of memory, exile, and survival, bridging past and present.
Exhibited widely across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America, his works are part of collections including Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art (Qatar), the Fabriano International Watercolour Museum (Italy), and the Cairo Amman Bank (Jordan). His solo exhibitions include Radiant Darkness (2020) and Faces (2013) at Al Markhiya Gallery, while he has also participated in major biennials and festivals in China, Slovenia, and Mexico.
Alongside his artistic practice, Mathkour is a mentor and educator, sharing his distinctive techniques and vision with emerging artists. Through his evocative compositions, he continues to shape contemporary Middle Eastern art, preserving Iraq’s cultural narratives with depth and sensitivity.