Bassim Al Shaker is an Iraqi artist based in the United States. Bassim was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq, during a period of political conflict and humanitarian torment. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Baghdad College of Fine Arts, with a focus on drawing and painting. Bassim obtained his Master of Fine Arts degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Bassim’s style is the culmination of a background in academic drawing and painting techniques and exploration in contemporary art. His artwork has garnered international attention at invitation-only festivals such as the 2013 Venice Biennale and the 2022 documenta fifteen (Kassel, Germany).
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A Time Between Ashes and Roses
Aichi Triennale | Tokyo, Japan 13 September - 30 November 2025The Aichi Triennale, one of Japan’s leading international art events, opened its sixth edition to the public on 13 September 2025. Curated by Hoor Al...Read more -
Four Minutes
Rhona Hoffman Gallery | Chicago, USA 8 September - 21 October 2023Rhona Hoffman Gallery brings the first solo exhibition of Chicago-based Iraqi artist Bassim Al Shaker, titled Four Minutes . The exhibition consists of new wall...Read more
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Hoor Al Qasimi's Aichi Triennale Confronts Generative and Destructive Extremes
Elisa Carollo, Observer, 25 September 2025 -
10 Outstanding Artworks From Aichi Triennale 2025
Eugene Shin, Tokyo Weekender, 19 September 2025 -
Fall in Love with Chicago's Visual Arts Scene
Kerry Cardoza and Micco Caporale, Chicago Reader, 22 September 2023 -
To Accelerate Time: Reflections on Artmaking in Post-Invasion Iraq
Rijin Sahakian, World Records Journal, Volume 8, Article II, 13 September 2023 -
As a Young Artist, He Was Tortured. He Lived To Paint About It
Zach Long, WBEZ Chicago, 7 September 2023 -
Where an Iraqi Can Paint and Exhale
Fernanda Santos, The New York TImes, 29 August 2013
