Mahmoud Obaidi (b. Baghdad, 1966) is a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts, Baghdad (1990) and holds New Media and Film Producing and Directing diplomas from Ryerson University, Toronto (1996) and HIF Film Academy, Los Angeles (1996 and 1998), he also holds an MA in Fine Art from University of Guelph, Ontario (1999). His solo exhibitions include Museum of Modern Art, Baghdad, 1990, Darat Al Funun, 1995, Stevenson Hall, Toronto, 1998, 4 Walls Gallery, Amman, 2002, and Fair Skies, Agial Gallery, Art Dubai, Dubai, 2010. He has participated in group exhibitions, festivals and biennales including Contemporary Arab Artists, Darat Al Funun, Amman, 1995; KHOJ International Festival, Delhi, 1999; Dafater: Contemporary Iraqi Book Art, University of North Texas University, Denton, Texas, 2005; Modernism and Iraq, Wallach Art Gallery, Columbia University, New York, 2009; and Beyond the War, LTMH Gallery, New York, 2010. His work is held in public collections including Mathaf: Museum of Modern Arab Art, Doha, Museums of Modern Art, Amman, Baghdad and Quebec, Sharjah Museum, Sharjah, and Tidi Gallery Collection, New York. Obaidi is particularly interested in exploring the conceptual side of art stating: ‘The conceptual has always been the most important aspect of my work, regardless of the medium in which I am working. In fact, it is the concept behind the work that dictates my choice of medium—whichever I believe conveys my intended meaning best.’ He lives and works in Toronto.