Serene moments of colour amid COVID-19

As global populations continue to adapt to living the "new normal" of enforced curfews and shutdowns amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, 28-year-old Mustafa Anwer is finding ways to carve out creative paths to nurture his artistic talents.

Hailing from Tuz Khurmatu in Saladin Governorate, Anwer is passionate about the creative arts and is using this period to learn new skills such as sculpting, playing the flute, and honing his talent in painting. 

Anwer has developed an online platform through which he guides young painters on their techniques and strokes. He is eager to transfer his expertise to others and continues to study at the College of Fine Arts - University of Baghdad.  His message to the youth of Iraq is “hold on to your dreams and practice the kindness of sharing and giving back to others”, adding that our paths may not always be smooth like walking on a bed of rose petals, but rather our pathways may be laden with bumps and adventure. “Do not worry about the obstacles”, Anwer advises, “with patience and hard work you will eventually get there”.  The UN in Iraq works closely in advocating and implementing youth projects in Iraq.