Friday Gallery announces its Winter 25 season with On HOPE: Inanna's Revolution by Iraqi artist Halim Al-Karim. The opening reception with the artist takes place Friday, February 7th, from 6 to 9 p.m.

On HOPE explores the untamed power of mythic beauty as a source of sensual and spiritual nourishment. Drawing from Sumerian mythology, Al-Karim’s large-scale photography honors Inanna, the goddess who endured darkness and returned to power, symbolizing resilience and hope.

Known for blending myth and memory, Al-Karim employs innovative techniques, from transforming mirrors into collodion wet plates to using raw minerals in his prints. His images are both intimate and veiled, confronting viewers with their layered complexity.

Al-Karim’s work is deeply personal, shaped by his escape from political persecution during the Iraq War and his refuge in the desert, sustained by the kindness of a Bedouin woman. This experience defines his artistic practice, capturing the enduring power of beauty and hope even in adversity.

Previously selected to represent Iraq at the Venice Biennale, Al-Karim’s work speaks to the universal longing for hope and connection.

The Winter 25 season’s theme, “ON HOPE,” unites Al-Karim’s photography with other visionary creators, including Tamara Barrage’s animistic sculptures, Color Coded Crime’s embroidered apparel, and Ziddi’s reimagined heritage crafts.

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