Amidst his sculptures in Otisville, NY, Najim Chechen stands thousands of miles away from his hometown of Kerkuk. Despite being away for over 23 years, Kerkuk and the Turkmen people have lived with him, withstanding the barrier of time and space through his work of arts.

Najim born and raised in Kerkuk obtained his Bachelors of Fine Arts from the University of Baghdad before leaving to the United States to complete his Masters of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute in 1984. Since then Najim has been accredited with numerous awards and scholarships and commissioned for clients both nationally and internationally. He founded the Fine Art Studios Sculpture Center in Orange County, and is co-founder of the Hudson Valley Sculptors Society, an organization of sculptors who live and work in the Hudson Valley.

Najim’s art work centralizes itself around Man and his struggles, whereby over the years his style has shifted from a naturalistic portrayal to a more impressionistic and abstract manner. “My work does not focus on anatomical modeling or heroic forms. Nor does my sculpture focus on the beauty of the body or clothes but rather on the shadow of the body, the spirit of the human form and the beauty of a person’s spirit,” Najim explains in more detail.

Like many ex-patriots, Najim had the opportunity to travel back to Kerkuk and needless to say his reception was filled with tension as family and friends accused him of abandonment, not taking the time to maintain contact with his beloveds. Although Najim’s motives were far from selfish for he had kept a 23 year long secret that his family was unaware of. Before leaving to the United States Najim was captured by the intelligence and interrogated and tortured for up to eight months. When asked why he was detained, Najim simply answers “What they wanted, I have no idea. The torture continued for eight months. I was ready to die any day.” Najim’s life might well have ended prematurely if it wasn’t for what he calls an “amazing miracle.” Najim said “The head investigator, he asked me questions. I mentioned my brother’s name. He said ‘My God, I know your brother. I’m going to give you 24 hours to get out.’ That’s the miracle.” Upon his departure, Najim decided to cease all contacts with his family and friends in fear that the intelligence would monitor the calls and unjustly oppress his remaining family members. Although the happiness that was felt with the long awaited reunion was also filled with despair as Najim witnessed his family members living in their house which were once furnished lavishly, to be left with the bare minimal. When asked where all the furniture had gone, they replied “Sanctions. We sell our things to get money for food.”

Since returning from his trip Najim has continued to keep the Turkmen spirit alive not only through his art but also with a whirlwind of humanitarian benefits he has hosted. Najim has been fervently trying to show the American people how the promise of a free democratic Iraq has thus far brought nothing but heartache to the millions of civilians. In the hopes of generating his art work into monetary assistance, the Family Relief Assistance Fund began where by the proceeds would be used to assist his extended family set up sustainable businesses. Specially designed pieces ranging from sculptures, pastels and drawing including 90 terracotta pieces depicting his extended family and friends in Kerkuk were on display in numerous exhibitions. The figures convey anguish and vulnerability, as well as the unquenchable Iraqi dream of freedom and peace. A notable terracotta figure, the grandmother, stands out with its simplistic portrayal of an encumbered people where Najim believes that the women have had to bear the largest brunt. Therefore the benefits’ success was not merely a financial one, rather it was also a great platform where open dialogue flourished and ideas were freely exchanged.

Najim’s art work has continually embodied the struggles of the Turkmen people and triggering awareness, political debate and a hope for a fruitful future is an achievement in it of itself. Hope features predominately, Najim explains “my latest works reflect the dreams for the future that Iraqi people have…magical dreams of freedom, hope and peace. All my figures peer out at the world and ask what will follow next.” I think the whole nation and the world is asking that same question.

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