Interview with ‘Gilgamesh Contemporary’ Artist Asmaa Alanbari

From ancient Mesopotamian civilisations to the 21st century, Iraq has long been a centre of artistic inspiration and development. Monumental works such as The Epic of Gilgamesh continue to inspire Iraqis worldwide in their journeys of self-expression.

In this interview, we spoke with Iraqi-French artist Asmaa Alanbari about her installation Gilgamesh Contemporary and the creative influences behind it. The work is an immersive film installation that reimagines the original story through video projections, music, and performance. Alanbari compares the modern human pursuit of time to that of Gilgamesh, questioning its meaning in the face of climate change. Learn more about it here.

Photo courtesy: E Asmaa Alanbari – Scene depicting Gilgamesh emerging out from The Lion of Babylon, Gilgamesh Contemporary I

How did you get into visual and performance art?

“I think art imposed itself as a medium of self-expression and has since also become a medium of self-realisation.”

Alanbari discovered art whilst she was studying at the London School of Economics (LSE). She recalls: “At the time, news footage about the Abu Ghraib victims was circulating, and I was so shocked that I couldn’t attend class as if nothing was happening. I had to respond. I created an installation of one of the victims and exhibited it in the LSE library as an improvised show.”

She explains that art is a vivid avenue of self-expression: “Art articulates strong emotions. Sometimes words or numbers aren’t enough, but art allows us to express our inner lives.”

Photo Courtesy: E Asmaa Alanbari – Scene depicting The Flood: contemporary man trying to control time against the backdrop of climate change related flooding, Gilgamesh Contemporary II

Are there any Iraqi symbols or cultural influences that are especially important in your art?

Alanbari is particularly drawn to Ishtar, a powerful female figure in Mesopotamian mythology: “Ishtar is a key symbol that keeps appearing in my work. She represents strength and identity. In contrast to stereotypes that aim to diminish Iraqi women, Ishtar shows that women in Mesopotamian culture were free and powerful. She is evidence that Iraqi women have long been a force to be reckoned with.”

Photo Courtesy: E Asmaa Alanbari & The British Museum – Choreography inspired by the original artefact of Ishtar currently on display at The British Museum

What inspired you to centre your work on The Epic of Gilgamesh?

“I had never seen the epic interpreted in a contemporary way.”

Alanbari explains that she was inspired by how classic myths are often reimagined in theatre and opera: “I wanted to create contemporary art that draws on both past and present creative minds and hearts.”

Her identity as an Arab woman also shaped the project: “Using video, music, and performance to reinterpret an Iraqi story allowed me to challenge stereotypes about Arab women. We are strong and independent, and we can use contemporary art to comment on the world.”

The work reflects modern concerns: “Gilgamesh Contemporary captures the early 21st-century human, driven by ambition and searching for more time in a world facing unprecedented climate change.”

Photo Courtesy: E Asmaa Alanbari – Scene depicting Gilgamesh and Enkidu’s duel, Gilgamesh Contemporary II

Alanbari’s multicultural upbringing has also influenced her artistic vision: “I was raised between cultures, but art goes beyond categories. It creates human connection. I see art as a language that can bridge different peoples, values, and perspectives.”

Photo Courtesy: E Asmaa Alanbari – Gilgamesh emerging out of the original story script in cuneiform, Gilgamesh Contemporary I

Have you faced challenges presenting your culturally nuanced work to non-Iraqi audiences?

“The work has been very well received.”

She believes this is because the piece connects ancient heritage with contemporary global issues: “It’s not only about Iraqi history, it’s about what is happening in our environment today.”

Alanbari uses the work to question humanity’s obsession with preparing our individual legacy: “Our planet is in a fragile state due to climate change, pollution, and rising temperatures. I want to challenge the idea that environmental issues are only for scientists to solve. We all have a role to play.”

Photo Courtesy: E Asmaa Alanbari – Gilgamesh bowing to the Old Wise Man Utnapishtum, Gilgamesh Contemporary II

What can Iraqi audiences take away from Gilgamesh Contemporary?

Alanbari’s message is twofold.  First, she encourages pride in cultural heritage: “Iraqis can be proud of our past heritage, as well as our ongoing resilience and will to survive and thrive in the hardest of circumstances.”

Second, she stresses environmental responsibility: “Iraq is one of the countries most affected by climate change; with droughts, extreme temperatures, and displacement. It’s crucial to educate ourselves and others about these challenges.”

Alanbari’s installation offers a powerful social critique and a call to action. Blending Mesopotamian symbolism with contemporary storytelling, she invites us to reconsider how we engage with both our cultural heritage and the environment.

Following two successful renditions of Gilgamesh Contemporary, Alanbari is currently working on a third, larger-scale version. Professionals interested in collaborating can contact her via this link.