Iraqi artist Halim Al Karim spent almost three years hiding in the desert to oppose compulsory military service under Saddam Hussein's regime in the first Gulf War. During his self-exile, Al Karim was exposed to mysticism, magic and gypsy culture through his interactions with a Bedouin woman who supported his mission. This venerable experience was a source of inspiration behind Al Karim's photographs, which expose the blurred division between light and dark; permanent and temporary; reality and mysticism. Drawing on Sufism, Al Karim often depicts women as elevated to the rank of goddesses.

Born in Najaf Iraq in 1963, Al Karim has exhibited his work in solo shows in Kuwait, Dubai, Jordan and Holland.