"Kurdish artist Avan Omar maps a 'Territory of Freedom' from Kurdistan to the Netherlands" ~ (quoted from: Kurdistan24, February 2026) ~ Our precious alumn Avan Omar (DAI, 2017) shares some wonderful news about her latest project. "I’ve spent the last five years working on a research-based book about contemporary art in Southern Kurdistan (Iraqi Kurdistan) from 1990 to 2010. My book Zero Art explores how political and economic conditions during these two very different decades influenced artists and the art field. It brings together a series of in-depth discussions with artists alongside a curated selection of their works, exhibitions and activities that took place across multiple cities and encompassed diverse mediums and styles. The project functions both as a critical reflection and an archive—offering a distinct and multifaceted view of a pivotal chapter in the development of contemporary visual art in Kurdistan.I just returned from Kurdistan, where I had a successful book launch and presentation. I will also be giving presentations in several European countries soon". We are eagerly looking forward to catch up with Avan !