Hussein Al-Karawi, Ph.D.

Sculptor & Academic Researcher | Lecturer of Fine Arts

Lecturer in the Department of Art Education - College of Education - Al-Zahraa University, and an expert in the maintenance of archaeological sites and monuments at the General Authority for Antiquities and Heritage. He specializes in monumental and public sculpture, city gateways, and the monumental reconstruction of Mesopotamian antiquities.

General Field:: Fine Arts
Specialization:: Monumental Sculpture & Contemporary Aesthetics
Academic Institution:: University of Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq

Works & Monuments

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2026

Shrine of the Holy Kaaba Door Model

Location:: Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq
Medium:: Architectural composite, gilded leaf
Scale:: H: 3.10 m, W: 1.78 m

2025

The Dowry of Fatima Monument

Location:: Main Gate, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq
Medium:: Fiberglass composite
Scale:: H: 3.5 m

2023

Centennial of the Court of Cassation Monument

Location:: High Judicial Council HQ Gate, Baghdad, Iraq
Medium:: Cast bronze
Scale:: H: 6.0 m

2023

Wings of Peace

Location:: Corniche Al-Basra Promenade, Basra, Iraq
Medium:: Glass Reinforced Polymer (GRP), structural steel frame
Scale:: H: 6.0 m

2023

Monument of Martyr Maj. Gen. Abdul-Rahman Abu Ragheef

Location:: Al-Kut, Wasit, Iraq
Medium:: Cast bronze on granite pedestal
Scale:: H: 8.0 m

2023

The Majesty of God (Lafdh Al-Jalalah) Monument

Location:: Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar, Iraq
Medium:: Architectural stainless steel
Scale:: H: 6.0 m

Video Archive

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2026-09-26 • Nippur Smelter

The city of Nippur

A documentary report on the Nippur Smelter and Dr. Hussein Al-Karawi.

2026-09-26 • Durham University

A view of a lecture hosted by Durham University.

Podcasts

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Academic Education

2021 Ph.D., Fine Arts (Sculpture & Contemporary Aesthetics)
College of Fine Arts, University of Babylon, Iraq
Dissertation: 'The Problematic of the Aesthetic in the Mechanization of Contemporary Sculptural Form' (Advisors: Prof. Dr. Abdul-Hamid Fadhil Al-Bayati & Prof. Dr. Nail Hannoun)
2016 M.F.A., Fine Arts (Sculpture)
College of Fine Arts, University of Babylon, Iraq
2012 B.F.A., Fine Arts
College of Fine Arts, University of Babylon, Iraq

Academic Appointments & Professional Experience

2023 – Present Adjunct Lecturer
Department of Art Education, College of Education, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq
2021 – Present Lecturer in Fine Arts
Department of Fine Arts, College of Fine Arts, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq
Curriculum Instruction: Advanced Studio Sculpture, Three-Dimensional Design, Materiality & Techniques, Ancient & Islamic Art History, Visual Fundamentals, Applied Crafts.
2019 – Present Cultural Heritage & Monument Conservator
Inspectorate of Antiquities and Heritage of Al-Qadisiyah, State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH), Ministry of Culture, Iraq

Selected Group Exhibitions

2013: Promising Experiences, Annual Exhibition of the Department of Fine Arts, Babylon University Gallery, Babylon, Iraq
2013: Arab Spring Theater Fine Arts Exposition, Directorate of Culture and Arts, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq
2011: First Annual Art Exhibition of the College of Science, University of Babylon, Iraq
2011: Second Marduk Contemporary Visual Arts Showcase, First Youth and Sports Cultural Congress, Marduk Hall, Babylon, Iraq
2010: Babylon Youth Center Annual Visual Salon, Center for Youth and Sports, Babylon, Iraq
2009 – 2010: Annual Salon of the College of Fine Arts, University of Babylon, Iraq

Workshops, Symposia & Public Lectures

April 15, 2026 Workshop & Lecture: 'Sculpture Between Hyperrealism and Innovation'
College of Education, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq
March 15, 2026 Workshop & Lecture: 'Sculpture Between Hyperrealism and Innovation'
College of Education, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq
January 12, 2026 Workshop & Lecture: 'Bas-Relief Sculptures: The Intersection Between Fine Art and Architectural Engineering'
Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq
December 29, 2025 Workshop & Lecture: 'Sculpture as a Medium for Addressing Social Issues'
Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq
November 24, 2025 Workshop & Lecture: 'Art as the Primary Conduit of Evolution and Civilization'
Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq
March 26, 2025 Workshop & Lecture: 'Monumental Art Between Reality and Imagination'
Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq
February 20 – 24, 2025 Invited Delegate: Ain Al-Hayat International Cultural Festival
Cultural Congress and Artistic Panels, Iraq

Public & Institutional Collections

Ancient City of Babylon Archaeological Site, SBAH, Iraq
Monumental archaeological reconstructions on site: The Ishtar Lion (GRP, H: 5.0 m); The Hanging Gardens Monument (Mixed media, H: 5.0 m); The Tower of Babel Reconstruction (Structural steel, H: 5.0 m); Code of Hammurabi Stele Relief (Polymer composite, H: 5.0 m); The Sacred Palm Monument (H: 5.0 m).
Al-Diwaniyah Civilization Museum, Iraq
King Gilgamesh Monumental Portrait (Composite polymer, H: 3.5 m).
Museum of Arts and Antiquities, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq
Departure of the Soul (Sculptural composite); Ancient City of Nippur Architectural Relief (Permanent architectural installation).
Natural History Museum, College of Science, University of Al-Qadisiyah, Iraq
Tyrannosaurus Rex Scientific Reconstruction (Composite polymer and structural steel armature, H: 5.5 m).

Critical Bibliography & Press Citations

Al-Jubouri, Rahim Razzaq. 'Hussein Al-Karawi: Urban Renaissance Lacks the Touch of Sculptors.' Al-Sabah Newspaper, June 3, 2026.
Al-Arab Cultural Bureau. 'Hussein Al-Karawi Revives the Art of Iraqi Monumental Statues.' Al-Arab International, Cultural Review Section.
Cultural Desk. 'Artist Hussein Al-Karawi: Striving for a Broad Aesthetic and Sculptural Renaissance.' Tariq Al-Shaab, September 19, 2023.
Al-Sabah News Archive. 'Monument of Sniper Abu Tahsin Al-Salihi Adorns Al-Nasr Square.' Al-Sabah Newspaper, May 31, 2023.

Awards, State Honors & Medals

2024 Medal of Academic Creativity
Conferred by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Iraq.
2016 Official Commendation & Citation
Directorate of Media and Moral Guidance, Ministry of Defense, Iraq.
2016 Governorate Youth Creativity Shield (First Class)
Al-Diwaniyah Provincial Council, Iraq.
2014 Distinguished Young Artist Shield of Honor
Directorate of Youth and Sports, Al-Diwaniyah, Iraq.
2011 Official Letter of Commendation
College of Fine Arts, University of Babylon (Youth & Law Festival), Iraq.
2011 Exhibition Certificate of Merit
First Art Exhibition, College of Science, University of Babylon, Iraq.
2010 Certificate of Honor & Distinction
Comprehensive Visual Arts Salon, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Iraq.

Professional Syndicates & Affiliations

Member, Iraqi Artists Syndicate (Sculpture Division)
Member, Iraqi Academics Syndicate
Member, Society of Iraqi Plastic Artists