Introduction

Baghdad Old City Maze invites the viewer into a world of stark contrasts and layered complexity, where black and white geometry collide in an almost hypnotic dance. The square canvas, measuring 80 by 80 centimeters, feels like a portal to a forgotten labyrinth—an abstract map that echoes the winding streets of ancient Baghdad while simultaneously dissolving them into pure form.

Style and Technique

The work is rooted in abstract expressionism yet carries unmistakable hints of geometric abstraction. Hanaa Mal‑Allah layers oil or acrylic paint with a deliberate roughness, then scratches or scrapes the surface to reveal underlying strata. This tactile process creates a palpable depth that invites touch as well as sight. The central circular area, crowned by a small golden orb, breaks the monochrome rhythm and offers a moment of luminous focus amid the chaos.

Historical Context

Created in 1993, the piece emerges from a period when Iraq was grappling with political upheaval and cultural loss. Mal‑Allah’s upbringing in Najaf and later life in Baghdad exposed her to the ruins of history—both literal and metaphorical. Her signature “Ruins Technique,” which incorporates found objects into her canvases, reflects a broader narrative of resilience and remembrance. In this painting, the fragmented geometry can be read as a visual echo of Iraq’s fractured past, while the golden orb hints at hope and continuity.

Symbolism & Emotional Impact

The dense network of intersecting shapes suggests fragmentation and complexity, mirroring the labyrinthine streets of old Baghdad. Yet the deliberate arrangement also conveys an underlying order—an attempt to impose meaning on chaos. The stark black and white palette heightens this tension, while the subtle frame around the canvas grounds the viewer in a sense of presence. Emotionally, the work stirs both awe at its intricate construction and contemplation about the delicate balance between destruction and renewal.