By A.C. Robinson

DUHOK, Kurdistan Region – The Duhok Gallery will be showcasing over 100 new pieces of art in its fourteenth annual exhibition created by artists from across the Kurdistan Region.

The theme this year is "Art for a Free Kurdistan."

"This title influenced many artists because most of the Kurdish people chose to vote "yes" for an independent Kurdistan during the referendum," Shiraz Aziz, curator of the exhibition told Rudaw English.

There are 119 pieces of art on display during this exhibition, each by a different artist coming from Duhok, Sulaimani, Erbil, Kirkuk, and Halabja.

The artists range in age from 19 to 83 years old.

The exhibition displays a variety of pieces including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, drawings, and photography using new and different techniques.

"I hope people who live in Duhok visit the Duhok Gallery and see the new works of art with their senses, not only their minds," said Aziz. "Spiritual beauty is very important because it creates beautiful things in man."

The "Art for a Free Kurdistan" exhibition opened on January 9 and will run through June 9, 2019. Opening day attracted over 500 guests and the gallery is now receiving an average of 30-35 visitors daily.

Photos: Shallaw Kazm/Rudaw