Helsinki-based artist Adel Abidin (b. 1973, Baghdad) is known for his sharp, ironic, and thought-provoking explorations of history, identity, politics, and cultural alienation. His work blends humor with critical reflection, engaging with themes of conflict, memory, and displacement across various mediums.
Since representing Finland at the 52nd Venice Biennale (2007), Abidin has exhibited worldwide, with major showings at MAC/VAL (Paris), Kiasma (Helsinki), Mori Art Museum (Tokyo), Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (Denmark), and Mathaf (Doha). His works have been featured in major biennales, including Venice, Sydney, Sharjah, Cairo, and Moscow. His art is held in prominent collections such as Kiasma, NGV (Melbourne), Ithra (Saudi Arabia), Sharjah Art Foundation, and Barjeel Art Foundation.
Recently, Abidin premiered two significant works in 2024: The Revolt, a study on the Zanj Rebellion in Basra (869–883 AD), and They Were Here. Expanding his artistic practice, he has returned to painting after years of abandoning the medium, using it as a new tool to further his critical research.
A recipient of numerous awards, he won the Ithra Art Prize (2023) and the Finland Prize for Visual Arts (2015) and was an Ars Fennica nominee (2012). He has also contributed to academia, delivering lectures at UNESCO, Aalto University, and Darat al Funun.
Abidin continues to challenge global narratives, using art as a lens to dissect power, consumerism, and the contradictions of contemporary life.
Adel Abidin is represented by Galerie Tanit Beirut.
