‘Azar’ Exhibition Unveils Hidden Pain Through Comic Artistry
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The vibrant and modern art of the comic strip is delving into the profound depths of human experience in Sulaimani, where the newly opened "Azar" exhibition poignantly explores the hidden pains and inner purity that define the silent struggles of daily life, offering a unique and moving visual narrative.
In a report from Kurdistan 24 in Sulaimani, the "Azar" art exhibition presents a powerful collection of works by artist Mustafa Akram in a meaningful collaboration with a group of his students.
The exhibition, whose name "Azar" translates to "pain" in the Kurdish language, uses the dynamic medium of comics—a blend of evocative imagery and compelling text—to navigate complex human emotions. It provides a platform for both a master artist and emerging talents to express their creativity and connect with the community on a deeply personal level.
Raban Izzat, the exhibition's organizer, spoke to Kurdistan 24 about the scope and mission of the event.
"We opened the exhibition with a display of 16 different pieces," she explained. A significant portion of the gallery space is dedicated to showcasing the impressive work of students who participated in a three-week comics course in May 2025, held under the direct supervision of Mustafa Akram. This inclusion serves as a vital encouragement for the next generation of artists. "The students' works, which amounted to 11 complete comic stories, were displayed as a form of encouragement for them to continue their creativity," Izzat added.
At the philosophical heart of the exhibition lies a profound exploration of the human condition.
Izzat elaborated on the thematic depth of Mustafa Akram's work, which forms the core of "Azar."
"His works in general speak of the purity that exists inside every person," she noted. "Through his works, the artist has tried to express this inner purity, and at the same time, he addresses the theme of the pains we hide daily behind a mask or makeup so that others do not feel our suffering."
The exhibition masterfully offers a unique visual experience for its visitors, blending the striking aesthetics of visual art with the narrative depth of comic storytelling. It highlights the poignant and universal contradiction between the composed facade a person presents to the world and the profound pain they may be concealing within. Through this artistic dialogue, "Azar" creates a space for reflection, empathy, and a greater understanding of the shared human experience.
