The Iraqi visual artist Faisal Laibi confirmed today, Saturday, that Iraq possesses the elements to regain its cultural and artistic standing, emphasizing the importance of supporting culture and the arts, enhancing values of citizenship and tolerance, and benefiting from the experiences of Iraqi artists and creators abroad.
Laibi stated in a conversation that the news agency followed during his participation in the thirteenth session of the Babylon International Festival of Cultures and Arts, that "returning to Iraq after fifty years is one of the most beautiful things I was keen to do, and the works I exhibited represent the result of many years of my artistic experience, carrying the features of the Iraqi memory that I have preserved since leaving the country."
He added that "the nostalgia for Iraq and the scenes that remain present in his memory form an essential aspect of his artistic experience," indicating that "Iraqi works are capable of expressing the identity of the place and evoking its details, even after decades of leaving."
He pointed out that "his experience in exile provided him with the opportunity to become acquainted with different cultures, contributing to the development of his perspective on others and enhancing his acceptance of differences and flexibility in dealing with people and ideas," noting that "the distance from his homeland created a gap in his social relations and deprived him of daily communication with family, friends, childhood memories, and the places he was connected to."
He continued that "the evocation of Iraqi cities, rivers, and bridges remains present in the memory of the expatriate," emphasizing that "daily details and social and cultural ties represent an important part of a person's relationship with their homeland, in addition to the role of language, books, and cultural events in maintaining their connection to their country."
He recalled "the historical experience of Babylon as a meeting place for people, languages, cultures, and different ideas," considering it "a model that Iraq can draw inspiration from in building a society based on diversity, coexistence, and openness."
He affirmed the importance of "giving culture, thought, and the arts a greater priority in public policies by allocating appropriate budgets for the cultural sector," explaining that "art plays a fundamental role in documenting the history of peoples, shaping their identity, and highlighting their civilizational character, alongside the importance of culture, media, and tourism in presenting Iraq's image to the world."
He pointed out that "the Iraqi archaeological sites and cultural symbols, including the Lion of Babylon, represent enduring evidence of the greatness of Iraqi civilization, even after the absence of the civilizations that created them," stressing the "necessity of promoting the historical and cultural value of Iraq and enhancing Iraqis' awareness of their country's heritage and its significance."
Regarding the possibility of expanding his artistic presence in Iraq after his return to participate in the festival, Laibi expressed his hope to "provide the opportunity for him and Iraqi artists and creators residing abroad to contribute to the cultural and artistic scene inside the country," affirming that "this opportunity represents great value for him."
He appreciated the efforts of those in charge of the "Babylon International Festival of Cultures and Arts, especially artist Ali Al-Shalash and the team working with him," commending their "efforts in organizing the festival and providing an opportunity for artists to showcase their works and interact with the Iraqi audience."
He also praised "the organization of festivals and cultural events in Iraq, considering them positive steps to enhance communication between creators and the audience," calling for their "continuation and development to help revitalize cultural and artistic life."