Khaleel Al-Ward: Bridging Tradition and Abstraction in Iraqi Sculpture Khaleel Al-Ward (1925 – 1995) occupies a prominent place within the annals of Iraqi modern art, representing not merely artistic innovation but also a profound engagement with Mesopotamian heritage—a harmonious blend that distinguishes his oeuvre. Born in Najaf, Iraq, his formative years witnessed an intellectual awakening fueled by Western influences and underpinned by an unwavering commitment to articulating Iraqi identity through groundbreaking sculptural explorations. Early Life and Artistic Foundations From childho…