By JAMAL JAMIL

KHANAQIN, Kurdistan Region – After nearly four decades away – studying, living and painting in Spain, Sweden and Japan – internationally renowned Kurdish artist Madhat Kakei returned to his childhood home in Kirkuk on his 60th birthday with a single aim: opening a museum in the tiny village of his birth.

“It will be the first museum in a remote village containing paintings that one could fine displayed at exhibitions in Spain, Japan and Sweden,” said Kakei, who celebrated his birthday in June.

Kakei, who studied painting in the Spanish capital of Madrid, recalls childhood memories of Eli Sera, the remote village of his childhood.

“When I was a child I remember there was a railroad, fruit orchards and springs here. The village was beautiful and lively. Part of what I am doing is to find ways to revive these villages,” he said.

“The narrow alleys of my village bring back many childhood memories where I played local traditional games with other children,” he said, emphasizing that traditions must be preserved against the onslaught of technology in modern life.

Kakei’s return has lifted up the spirit of the villagers and inspired the children to draw and paint.

Nasradin Kakei, one of the villagers, said he was proud of Kakei’s decision to bring his paintings back and display them in the village, where the artist intends to open the museum in a house that was given to him by another villager.

Felekedin Kakei, former KRG Minister of Culture, said that Kakei’s request to open a museum dedicated to his works was turned down by the authorities several times. “He deserved a positive response from the government,” the ex-minister said.

“No one cares and no one listens to me. However, what I do is for my people not for them,” said the artist himself.

Kakei said that upon his return his first stop was to his mother’s grave.

“Fifteen years ago, when I was painting in my room in Japan my mother’s voice suddenly echoed in my head calling my name, just like the old days,” he said. “Then I knew my mother’s journey had ended,” he recalled, “So, I decided to draw a painting for my mother’s journey.”

Hamdia Muhammad, Kakei’s sister, recalled that how their mother didn’t want Kakei to draw black paints. “She used to tell my brother always make your paintings colorful,” she added.

Despite life as a globetrotting artist, Kake’s heart lies in the village of his birth.

“I am indebted to this place, because my roots and memories lie here,” he said.

RUDAW