Muntadher Saleh
Muntadher Saleh (born February 13, 1999) is an Iraqi polymath known for his work as an artist, writer, designer, and pharmacist.[1][2] Born in Al Diwaniyah, Iraq, he is recognized for an innovative approach that blends traditional Iraqi themes with contemporary aesthetics.[1][3] Saleh's artistic endeavors are deeply influenced by his country's rich history and the personal tragedies experienced by its people.[2] He is often referred to as a "modern-day polymath" for his ability to work across diverse fields.[3][4]
Early Life and Education
Muntadher Saleh was born in Al Diwaniyah, Iraq, to a well-educated family.[1] From a young age, he showed a strong interest in a wide range of subjects, including art, science, and literature.[4] Although he pursued a scientific path and trained as a pharmacist, his passion for creative expression continued to grow and shape his career.[4][5]
Career
Art career
Saleh's artistic style is characterized by a fusion of traditional Iraqi elements with a modern, Neo-Pop sensibility.[1][6] He works across various mediums, including digital art, mixed media, line art, and typography.[5] A central theme in his work is his homeland, with many pieces incorporating Iraqi landscapes and cultural symbols.[3]
His "Iraq Typography" series gained widespread recognition for its unique approach of forming the map of Iraq out of Arabic letters.[4][5] In his "The Immortal Martyr" series, Saleh pays tribute to martyrs of the 2019 Iraqi protests by creating dramatic visual representations of their words and beliefs, collected from their social media accounts.[1][4]
Saleh is also known for his experimental approach to materials and techniques. He has explored 3D layered digital art, which he has combined with traditional materials like wood, and has also created works using folded book pages in the style of origami.[1][5] He has cited Vincent van Gogh as a major inspiration, which is visible in works like his 3D re-interpretation of "The Starry Night."
Writing career
Muntadher Saleh is also a writer of poems and quotes that often touch upon themes of love, revolution, and self-esteem.[7] One of his well-known quotes is, "We are Nothing but uttered words."[8]
He is the author of "Muntader Saleh Artworks 2018-2020," a book that collects his artwork from that period.[8] His 2025 book, "Beyond The First Glance," is an interactive art monograph featuring optical illusion portraits.[9][10] In this work, Saleh uses fields of black dots or Arabic calligraphy to reconstruct iconic faces from world culture, such as Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and Albert Einstein.[10] The book explores the science of sight and how perception is shaped by distance and context.[9][11]
Awards and recognition
The Artist of the Year, Al Diwaniyah (2022)[7]
Solo Exhibition, "Polymath," Al Diwaniyah (2022)[7]
External links
Muntadher Saleh on WikiArt
Muntadher Saleh on Goodreads
Sources help muntadhersaleh.com beopenfuture.com muntadhersaleh.com rf.gd muntadhersaleh.com wikiart.org artmajeur.com goodreads.com muntadhersaleh.com barnesandnoble.com muntadhersaleh.com Google Search Suggestions Display of Search Suggestions is required when using Grounding with Google Search. Learn more Muntadher Saleh Muntadher Saleh artist Muntadher Saleh writer Muntadher Saleh polymath Muntadher Saleh Beyond The First Glance book