PRESIDENT LATIF RASHID

l’m not a painter or an artist, but I have always admired both modern colourful and classical art. My choice of paintings is purely personal and I look at what attracts my eyes. I admire Iraqi and Kurdish Artists and as those of other nationalities. I have been lucky to establish contacts with many of them living in Paris, Venice, London, Sulaymaniyah, Baghdad and Rome.

Unfortunately a lot of Iraqi and Kurdish artists moved abroad due to the political instabilities in Iraq and Kurdistan; but our region has always been well

recognised internationally for our Art and Culture.

This Gallery, I hope will make a small contribution to the Art and cultural life of my home town Slemani- a city that was always been known as the centre of culture and intellect in Kurdistan. I hope artists will make use of this gallery for exhibitions, seminars and activities and I hope the public at large will enjoy spending some time here".