The Founders Exhibit:
Part One

Exhibition Details:

Welcome to The Founders Exhibit: Part One

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to The Founders Exhibit: Part One, a rare and intimate glimpse into the private art collection of President Latif Rashid, displayed here at the LR Gallery. This exhibition serves as both a homage to Kurdish and Arabic artists and a window into the life, values, and artistic sensibilities of Dr. Latif Rashid.

At its core, The Founders Exhibit is a collection of contrasts—where masterworks by renowned artists sit alongside pieces discovered in bustling bazaars. Each artwork was chosen not for its name or value, but for the emotion it evoked. Some pieces sparked a memory, others were collected on travels, and many were acquired in support of emerging talent. This is a love letter to art—a deep appreciation of color, texture, skill, and passion, and above all, a celebration of culture.

As you journey through the exhibition, you will encounter an extraordinary array of Kurdish and Iraqi artists—men and women whose works tell the stories of their heritage, their cities, and their people.

• On the Ground Floor, the Lounge Gallery showcases cityscapes from Sulaymaniyah to Baghdad, alongside carefully selected pieces of cultural craftsmanship: a Persian carpet chair inspired by the tale of Aladdin, a handmade carpet mapping Iraq, and a bespoke Kurdish desk crafted in Erbil. As you ascend, look for the hanging beads cascading from the staircase, inspired by the decorated trees of Berzinja’s fruit festival.

• In the Glass Chamber, the evocative People’s Prayers exhibit presents 99 suspended prayer beads, symbolising the names of God in Islam. Beneath them, local stones—tumbled and raw—give way to a striking display of red poppies, honouring those who have fallen. At the centre, a solemn plinth stands in remembrance of lives lost, echoing the stones left at mass graves. This space is a tribute to resilience, a testament to how the Kurdish people, even in the most barren of times, continue to grow—unwavering, proud, and strong.

• On the First Floor, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in a floral paradise, breathtaking Iraqi landscapes, and a collection of classic figurative paintings.

• On the Second Floor, the exhibition transforms into a powerful celebration of women. Modern, classical, and abstract representations of Kurdish and Arabic women line the walls, honouring their beauty, strength, and indispensable role in their communities. This is more than an appreciation of the female form—it is an acknowledgment of the women who are the pillars of society.

• In Exhibition Room 4, the focus shifts to abstract and contemporary works—a striking contrast to the classic portraits found elsewhere. Here, mixed media, sketches, and oil paintings reflect President Latif Rashid’s diverse artistic tastes and appreciation for innovation.

This collection is more than a curation of Kurdish and Iraqi artistry—it is a personal journey. It tells the story of a leader’s deep connection to his homeland, his people, and their shared history. It is an invitation to explore, reflect, and celebrate the beauty of art and the resilience of culture.

Welcome, and enjoy The Founders Exhibit.