Hailing from Baghdad, Iraq, Bilal Bahir creates evocative work that weaves together themes of play, childhood, and memory, all rooted in the rich legacy of his Mesopotamian heritage. Combining painting, drawing, and collage, Bahir blends nostalgia with contemporary commentary, taking inspiration from ancient maps, books, and literary traditions to preserve and reimagine the stories of the past.
For his SOLO presentation with AYN Gallery at the 2025 Investec Cape Town Art Fair, he delves into the transformative power of games and their enduring role in shaping social behaviour and imagination—a poignant response to the growing influence of artificial intelligence on childhood. In this interview, Bahir shares the poetic depth of his inspirations, reflects on what is lost when imagination yields to technology, and reveals how his work serves as both a tribute to his ancestors and a critique of modern society.
Your work often explores themes of play and childhood. How do you channel the spirit of play into your art, and how did your own childhood influence your creative process?
Games have been a source of relief from fear and an escape from painful experiences in the aftermath of several wars. They create a magical and imaginary world, particularly since play is a fundamental human need and brings beautiful moments to our lives. These experiences deserve to be remembered, especially in light of the development of artificial intelligence, which has negatively impacted many games and led to the extinction of others. This trend poses a danger to society and, particularly, to children. An adult environment can impact children’s dreams and hinder their imagination.
How can we replace the joy of playing with a paper plane with the allure of a smartphone?
Games have played a crucial role in shaping social behaviour, especially those that help children navigate their place in the adult world. My drawings reflect this connection, and my research focuses on the idea that each game tells a story. Consequently, my efforts are dedicated to exploring how to convey these stories, as well as the appropriate settings and timing for their telling.
I am a child in the adult world trying to focus on reality because games and toys are real.
Maps and ancient books also play a prominent role in your body of work. What draws you to these objects and how do they connect with your personal history?
I am trying to save these old books and documents from being forgotten while also preserving memories from my own childhood. The old documents, especially the drawings, hold a rich history. I often think about the ancient books in Baghdad during the Abbasid period, particularly when Genghis Khan and the Mongols invaded, destroying libraries and throwing countless books and maps into the Tigris River. These stories truly inspire me.
Are there particular poetic traditions or verses that inspire your playful approach to creating art, especially when reflecting on your Mesopotamian heritage?
There is a profound connection between human civilizations, evident in both literature and art. My artistic career is grounded in these deep roots, and I draw inspiration from ancient cultures. My Sumerian ancestors introduced me to the Epic of Gilgamesh, and I find further inspiration in the rich traditions of the Greek deities, all the way to the present like Louis Aragon, Kafka, and Baudelaire.
These interviews were conducted with artists participating in the SOLO section of the 2025 Investec Cape Town Art Fair.