Ruya Foundation’s chairman Tamara Chalabi continues her diary about her research trip in Iraq with curator Jonathan Watkins, for the Pavilion of Iraq:
Hilla is a modern city, south of Baghdad on the bank of the Euphrates, close to the ancient cities of Babylon, Kish and Borsippa. It is the capital of the Babil province and developing fast. The art scene in Hilla is small, but brave, centred on the Ishtar Gallery that includes a studio that resembles a nineteenth century academy. There, local artists meet to share observations and advice on painting.
Jonathan Watkins at the Ishtar Gallery.
An artist’s studio in Hilla. Photo: Ruya Foundation.