“Ego Sum”: Kurdish Female Artists Shine on European Stage
The exhibition, Ego Sum, is more than an art display—it is an assertion of presence. Each piece is a testament to the artists' determination to be seen, heard, and recognized beyond borders that have historically excluded or silenced Kurdish voices.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a groundbreaking cultural milestone, a group of female Kurdish artists are showcasing their work for the first time in Poland, as part of a major international art exhibition titled “Ego Sum” (“I Am”). The exhibition, which opened in early April at the prestigious Pałac Sztuki Gallery in Krakow, marks a pivotal moment in contemporary Kurdish art history, celebrating the voices, visions, and resilience of Kurdish women artists on a global stage.
According to the event organizers, the exhibition brings together a diverse group of women whose creative practices reflect a confluence of deeply personal narratives, collective memory, and cultural heritage. Curated by Wacław Kuczma, a respected figure in the realm of contemporary art, the exhibition elevates the voices of Kurdish women by positioning them within one of Central Europe’s most esteemed art venues.
The exhibition is organized under the initiative of the Kurdistan Region, with essential facilitation and support provided by Mr. Ziyad Raoof, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Representative in Poland.
KRG Rep. Raoof stated, “This art exhibition is the first of its kind for female artists from Kurdistan in Poland—and I believe in the rest of Europe as well. For the first time, 14 female artists from all parts of Kurdistan are participating. It is being held at the Palace of Arts in Krakow and will run for a month. The works on display are powerful expressions of the steadfastness and resilience of Kurdish women. They reflect the challenges faced during times of war, social struggle, and the ongoing fight for gender equality and rights in Kurdistan and the Middle East more broadly.”
The exhibition is organized through a collaborative effort between the Kurdistan Culture and Arts Coordination Center (KCAC) and ZR Gallery, representing an important step in cultural diplomacy and transnational artistic engagement. It is the first of its kind to center the artistic experiences of Kurdish women at this level of international exposure.
In a region where women have long been marginalized by both political and cultural systems, this event signals a new chapter. The participating artists bring forth contemporary forms, techniques, and aesthetics, deeply rooted in local realities but resonating with universal themes of identity, resistance, memory, and transformation. Their work exemplifies how Kurdish women are reshaping the contours of modern art while also redefining their roles within broader society.
Artist Sherivan Barani shared her pride in participating: “I am from Kurdistan. Today, at the Palace of Art Gallery in Krakow, I participated in the Ego Sum art exhibition. I’m honored to be here representing Kurdish women artists. Thank you very much.”
Fellow artist Shayna Mohammed echoed this sentiment, stating: “We are delighted to be here in Poland, both as artists and as representatives of Kurdish art. Art has a transcendent quality—it allows nations and people to connect through a shared language. That’s why we received such a warm and enthusiastic response from Polish art lovers and visitors. It was moving to see their empathy for the Kurdish people and their joy at hosting us as female artists. This has been a meaningful experience. I would like to thank Mr. Ziyad Raoof for his support. I’m exhibiting two works: a video piece and a six-part photography series. Each explores the inner and psychological state of the contemporary individual. I hope we see more exhibitions like this in the future—so the voices of Kurdish women artists can reach every corner of the world.”
The exhibition, Ego Sum, is more than an art display—it is an assertion of presence. Each piece is a testament to the artists' determination to be seen, heard, and recognized beyond borders that have historically excluded or silenced Kurdish voices. The art on display challenges dominant narratives and invites international audiences to engage with a rich cultural legacy that often exists on the periphery of mainstream discourse.
“Ego Sum” stands as both a personal and political statement. Through painting, sculpture, mixed media, and other visual forms, the participating artists explore themes ranging from personal trauma and societal constraints to ecological concerns and collective memory. Their diverse backgrounds and stylistic approaches reflect the multifaceted nature of Kurdish identity and the vibrancy of its artistic community.
According to the curatorial team, the exhibition also represents a symbolic crossing of boundaries—not just geographic or artistic, but existential. In making their debut in a prominent European gallery, these Kurdish women artists assert their rightful place within the global cultural dialogue.
Running through May 3, 2025, the exhibition is expected to attract a broad audience of art enthusiasts, critics, academics, and members of the Kurdish diaspora. For many of the participating artists, this moment marks not only a significant career achievement but also a contribution to a growing cultural renaissance within the Kurdistan Region.
By placing Kurdish women artists at the center of an international exhibition, Ego Sum sends a powerful message about the evolving landscape of contemporary art and the indispensable role of women in shaping it. It is a celebration of creativity, defiance, and the enduring power of self-expression.
