Second Ceramic Techniques Festival Celebrates Clay's Artistic Potential in Baghdad

From clay, beauty is born. Under this slogan, which encapsulates the philosophy of earth and origin, the Middle Technical University's Polytechnic College of Applied Arts recently held its second annual festival of ceramic techniques in Baghdad. The festival, which witnessed remarkable academic and artistic attendance, was more than just an exhibition of student projects; it transformed into an artistic demonstration exploring Mesopotamian identity through the timeless medium of "clay."

Officially opened by the President of the Middle Technical University, Wadah Amer Hatem, accompanied by the Dean of the College, Uday Abdul Hamid, amidst a crowd of artists, students, and the public. Touring the halls bustling with ceramic works, the University President emphasized that this creativity represents the transformation of "idea into impact," praising the students' ability to reflect an artistic and cultural identity worthy of pride. He stressed that talent, when transformed into a message, becomes a cornerstone in building society.

The Dean of the College, in turn, pointed out that ceramics in this festival transcend being a mere inert sculptural material to become a "carrier of civilizational identity." He added that the college is keen on honing young talents to be capable of merging the creation of beauty with the production of knowledge simultaneously. Historically, ceramic art in Iraq has been linked to the memory of ancient civilizations, from the Ziggurat of Ur to the Lion of Babylon and reaching the golden Islamic ages. In this festival, it was evident that the students drew inspiration from that spirit, infusing it with touches of modernity.

Regarding this trend, the Head of the Department, Lecturer Anwar Abbas Kuwaish, stated, "This festival is a clear message that creativity is not just taught as a dry subject but is made through will and experience. It is the fruit of our students' passion, who have made their works texts that speak of knowledge." The participating works varied between "sculptural ceramics" leaning towards abstraction and "applied ceramics" imitating everyday tools with an aesthetic vision, with a notable use of glaze techniques that give clay luster and life.

The official heritage dimension was not absent from the scene. The Directorate of Popular Heritage (Department of Public Arts) at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities participated under the slogan "Our Heritage with Promising Hands." In this context, the Director-General of the Department, Qassem Mohsen, expressed his pride in this participation, emphasizing that the products of the students of the "Institute of Popular Crafts and Arts" represent the link between the past and the future. The Ministry is keen on the continuity of cooperation with educational institutions to preserve Iraqi folklore from extinction. The second edition of the Ceramic Techniques Department festival remains a bright spot in Baghdad's cultural scene, confirming that "clay" in the hands of the Iraqi creator is still capable of shaping beauty and encapsulating history in a single piece of "pottery" that tells the story of an immortal civilization. The beautiful gesture of the administrative body of the "Iraqi Plastic Artists Association," headed by ceramic artist Saad Al-Ani, remained a landmark at the opening ceremony, with its special fragrance settling in the hearts and eyes of the participants. It affirmed that the march of beauty in Iraq continues with the cohesion of its ancient artistic institutions and their continuous support for promising talents, ensuring that "clay" remains alive and creativity is passed down.