Burhan Saleh is an Iraqi-Turkmen artist, born in 1956 in Kirkuk, Iraq. He studied fine arts at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, Italy (1978-1980). Saleh has exhibited his work extensively both in the Netherlands and internationally. Fleeing Iraq with his family, he has resided in the Netherlands since 2000. After living in Roermond, he moved to Goes, where he finds inspiration for his watercolors during daily bike rides through the Zeeland landscape. Artistic styleSaleh’s art is infused with the complexity of human emotions and the beauty of everyday life. With his rich cultural background and personal history, and extensive experience, Saleh has developed a unique artistic voice that blends traditional and modern influences. He creates figurative, expressive, and abstract art, using a wide range of techniques and materials to bring his vision to life. He specializes in graphics and printmaking, particularly known for his woodcuts, which he highlights with acrylic paint and also creates prints from. Additionally, he creates works using linocuts, pastel on cardboard, and acrylic and oil on canvas. His vibrant and expressive use of color, along with strong contrasts and textures, creates a sense of depth and movement. Themes and inspirationA significant theme in Burhan Saleh’s work is the exploration of literature. He enjoys reading novels, and characters from these books often find their way into his figurative artworks. These literary figures are depicted expressively, with their inner worlds and emotions taking center stage. When creating portraits, Saleh goes beyond merely replicating the superficial appearance of his subjects. He strives to capture the essence of the person, revealing their inner world and emotions on the canvas. This process requires deep engagement and understanding of his subjects, giving his portraits a unique intensity and depth.