Renowned Kurdish Painter Qarani Jamil Passes Away at 71
Many of his original paintings currently adorn the walls of the VIP reception lounge at Erbil International Airport, serving as both a visual legacy and a warm cultural welcome to visitors arriving in the Kurdish capital.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Celebrated Kurdish painter and visual artist Qarani Jamil passed away on Saturday, in Erbil, after a long battle with cancer.
Born in Erbil in 1954, Jamil was widely regarded as a pioneering figure in the Kurdish contemporary art movement. His artistic journey spanned over five decades, during which he left an indelible mark not only on the Kurdish art scene but also on international platforms through his unique style and evocative compositions.
Jamil held his first solo exhibition in 1977 at Ayoubiya School Hall in Erbil. His work quickly garnered attention, propelling him into the spotlight as one of the region’s most promising artists. Over the years, he participated in more than 30 solo and group exhibitions across Baghdad, Erbil, Barcelona, Valencia, Brussels, Copenhagen, and other major cultural hubs in Europe and the Middle East.
Many of his original paintings currently adorn the walls of the VIP reception lounge at Erbil International Airport, serving as both a visual legacy and a warm cultural welcome to visitors arriving in the Kurdish capital.
Artistic Education and International Footprint
Jamil earned his diploma from the Institute of Fine Arts in Baghdad in 1977. His thirst for artistic excellence took him to Barcelona, Spain, where he completed a one-year course in lithography in 1984. He held solo exhibitions in major Spanish cities including Barcelona (1985), Almonia (1988), and Valencia (1991), showcasing the depth and evolution of his style—often blending Kurdish cultural motifs with broader European artistic trends.
His contributions were not limited to his brushwork alone. Jamil was instrumental in mentoring a new generation of Kurdish artists and played a key role in cultural exchanges between Kurdistan and the global art community.
Cultural Legacy
From 1972 to 2005, Qarani Jamil’s work was featured in more than 30 exhibitions worldwide, reflecting the vibrancy of Kurdish identity and resilience. His international exposure helped spotlight Kurdish culture during decades of regional turmoil, war, and rebuilding.
His passing marks the end of an era for the Kurdish art world, but his legacy will continue to inspire artists and cultural advocates for years to come.
Cultural institutions, fellow artists, and admirers across Kurdistan and abroad have begun sharing tributes, remembering Jamil not only for his artistic brilliance but also for his quiet dedication to cultural preservation and innovation.
