G. Nazhad

IN FOCUS

• BA - Theatre Directing

• MA - Documentary Film

• PhD - Photography

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IN FRAME

Soon after earning Master Degree in 2010 from Royal Holloway University of London, I devoted nine years to lecturing at various universities across the Middle East and China. Since 1989, I have been active in the arts as photographer and producer in nine films and twelve theatre shows internationally, including dramatisations of Bertolt Brecht’s ‘Mother Courage’ and Eugène Ionesco’s ‘La Jeune Fille à Marier’.

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IN FAILURE 

I am Gaylan Nazhad, my childhood dream of becoming a pianist was seemingly unattainable because of war and poverty. However, the tones of the piano have had been constantly alive in my head until I discovered that art transcends the limitations we face. Though I may not have had access to pianos, I realised that my artistic journey was not confined to one instrument. Instead, it took me on a path of self-discovery and allowed me to find new ways to express myself.

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Through theater, I discovered the power of storytelling and the ability to evoke emotions in others. I dove headfirst into the world of acting and directing, using the stage as my canvas to express myself and connect with audiences. It was through this medium that I realised the transformative power of art.

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As I honed my skills in acting, I yearned for a new outlet to channel my creativity. Photography became my next passion, allowing me to capture the beauty in the mundane and find art in everyday life. With my camera in hand, I explored my war-torn city, capturing the resilient spirit of its people and the juxtaposition of destruction and hope.

 

After fleeing to UK in 2000, film soon followed, as I delved into the world of storytelling through documentary. I found solace in cinematic narratives, as I could create entire worlds and bring my imagination to life. Each frame became a visual representation of the melodies that once danced in my head.

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As I continue to embrace different art forms, I am reminded of the resilience that art represents. Just as music can soothe and heal, theater, photography, and film have become my outlets for both personal expression and a means to shed light on my subjects to make possibility of revealing attitude towards life and self, and to invite viewers to interpret and contemplate the stories. 

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Through my art, I hope to inspire others to find their own creative paths, regardless of the obstacles they may face. Like the piano notes that once filled my dreams, art has the power to transcend borders, unite communities, and bring light to even the darkest of times.​

 

IN DIVERSITY 

In the world often divided by boundaries, I found my the other half to carryon life with more strength of unity, love, and a shared embrace of diversity. My wife, Professor Feifei and our two precious twin daughters Lidia and Livia are a reminder of the beauty that exist when cultures collide, intermingle, and intertwine. Through our relationship, we have been introduced to the vibrant and rich Chinese, Kurdish and British cultures. Delving deep into traditions, art, language, and culinary delighted, have enriched our identity and forever changed our perspective of life.

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EXHIBITIONS & SCREENING

2009 | London National Portrait Gallery

2009 | London Watermans Cinema

2011 | Liverpool Fact Cenima

2011 | Manchester Fact Cenima

2009 | Nottingham Broadway Cinema

2010 | Nottingham Broadway Cinema

2011 | Nottingham Broadway Cinema

2015 | Sheffield Documentary Festival

2010 | London Urban Arts Showcase

2012 | Northampton Nanoplex.

2012 | Leicester's Orton

2009 | Nottingham New Arts Exchange

2011 | Nottingham New Arts Exchange

2010 | University of Nottingham

2011 | University of Nottingham

2018 | Nottingham New Arts Exchange

2019 | Nottingham City Arts

2010 | Nottingham New Arts Exchange

2020 | Leicester's Y Theatre

2017 | University of Sulaimani

2016 | Sulaimany Polytechnic University

2015 | Sulaimany Polytechnic University

2014 | Nottingham Central Library

2005 | Nottingham Central Library

2015 | Library of Birmingham

 

PRESS

2019 | BBC Radio. Talking with presenter Alan Clifford about "101 Beads, Kurdistan in War" Book.

2018 | BBC TV - East Midlands. Interview to talk about "101 Beads, Kurdistan in War" Book.

2018 | Nott TV. Interview to talk about "101 Beads, Kurdistan in War" Book.

2017 | Kurdsat TV. War photography & its impact on Isis war in Iraq and Syria. 

2018 | Left Lions Magazine. Photojournalism & Portrait in "101 Beads, Kurdistan in War" Book.