Draft:Muntadher Saleh

Muntadher Saleh (born 1999) is an Iraqi artist, writer, designer, and pharmacist. He works in various art styles, including digital art, line art, typographical art, and 3D layered art. Saleh's work integrates traditional Iraqi cultural elements with modern techniques.

Early Life and Education

Muntadher Saleh was born in Al Diwaniyah, Iraq, in 1999. He showed an early interest in the arts and sciences. In 2017, Saleh entered the University of Al Qadisiya College of Pharmacy and graduated in 2022, ranking 20th in his province.

Artistic Career

1. Line Art and Early Works Saleh began his artistic career with line art, creating portraits of figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Albert Einstein. His early works were showcased in local galleries and received attention for their precision and emotional depth.

2. The Immortal Martyr Series In 2019, Saleh created "The Immortal Martyr" series, which focuses on young men who lost their lives in Iraq's uprisings. The series combines faces and written words to convey messages about sacrifice and resilience. The series was exhibited in several art shows across the Middle East.

3. 3D Layered Art In 2020, Saleh introduced 3D layered art, a technique that creates a three-dimensional effect through multiple layers. Notable works include his self-portrait and "3D Zuha," dedicated to architect Zaha Hadid. His 3D works have been featured in international art fairs.

4. Typographical and Origami Art Saleh also works in typographical art, designing names, words, and poems in Arabic and English, blending traditional scripts with modern aesthetics. Additionally, he has explored origami art, using book pages to create designs like the map of Iraq and the word "Freedom" in Arabic.

Cultural Impact

Saleh's art reflects his Iraqi heritage and addresses themes of identity, memory, and cultural heritage. His piece "Van Gogh Thoughts" combines elements of Van Gogh's work with modern themes. Saleh's work contributes to contemporary Middle Eastern art by integrating traditional and modern elements.

Literary Contributions

In addition to his visual art, Saleh writes poetry, essays, and short stories, often exploring themes of loss, resilience, and the human condition. He has produced a series of bedtime stories titled "Last Polymath," available on platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal. His quote "We Are Nothing but uttered Words" is notable in his literary work.

Recognition and Influence

Saleh's work has been displayed in galleries and exhibitions, including those listed on Artsy. He received first place at the University of Al Qadisiya College of Pharmacy's annual art exhibition, competing against art students while he was a pharmacy student. Saleh collaborated with the watchmaking brand Splendore Unique, designing a Rolex dial for them. Despite his scientific background, Saleh focuses on art and culture, contributing to cultural preservation initiatives and educational programs.

Personal Traits and Challenges

Although Saleh has good communication skills, he prefers to avoid social gatherings. He has been known to lose his temper, even with his manager, which has affected his professional relationships. Despite the consequences, Saleh does not regret his actions as he values his principles over social conformity, though this sometimes creates additional challenges for him.

References

External Links ```
 * [Official Website](https://muntadhersaleh.com)
 * [Muntadher Saleh on Artmajeur](https://www.artmajeur.com/muntadher-saleh)
 * [Muntadher Saleh on Artsy](https://www.artsy.net/artist/muntadher-saleh)
 * [Muntadher Saleh on WikiArt](https://www.wikiart.org/en/muntadher-saleh)
 * [Muntadher Saleh on Iraq Arts and Culture](https://iraqartsandculture.com/muntadher-saleh)
 * [Muntadher Saleh on Artblr](https://www.artblr.com/muntadhersaleh)
 * [Muntadher Saleh on Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/artist/75ug48GHaZ8a6Vs6jBR7fa)
 * [Muntadher Saleh on Apple Music](https://music.apple.com/us/artist/last-polymath/1743541631)
 * [Muntadher Saleh on Tidal](https://tidal.com/browse/artist/47414884?u)