Iraq - A New Face . Number 8 in a series of 15 portraits of Kurdish/Iraqi people by Ben Hodson & Ian Rowlands.

Iraq – The Forgotten Story is a powerful, moving and sometimes challenging visual arts exhibition of never before seen work by the people directly affected – it is their story.

Untitled [Salih Najar 1]. Acrylic & Ink on photographic contact print.

This exhibition is the story of a forgotten section of Iraqi society (and by no means the only one) that had incredible acts of savagery perpetrated against them under Saddam Hussein, and are still living with the consequences. It is a powerful, moving and sometimes challenging visual arts exhibition that tells the story through the eyes of the local artists and photographers. It tells the story of the conflict, of the pain endured, but also celebrates life and survival with a strong hope for the future.

Untitled [Soran Hamad 3]. Mixed media on canvas.

Iraq - The Forgotten Story is part of a larger project that seeks to bring forgotten or untold stories of people and places in the midst of conflict to the forefront and looks to promote peace and understanding of different cultures and their histories.

The Preemptive Love Coalition, through the eyes of the local artists, sculptors and photographers, hope to raise awareness of the 4000+ children in need of life saving heart surgery, following gas attacks on northern Iraq by Saddam Hussein.

Iraq - A New Face . Number 5 in a series of 15 portraits of Kurdish/Iraqi people by Ben Hodson & Ian Rowlands.

You can find out more about the work of the Preemptive Love Coalition by visiting their website.

• Click here to go to the Preemptive Love Coalition website (this link will open in a new window).

This exhibition was curated by Ian Rowlands and Ben Hodson of A Thin Place , a creative arts and social entrepreneurial, non - profit organisation. It was first shown at The Hat Factory in Luton as part of B:Fest, Luton Arts Festival.

You can find out more about this exhibition and the artists featured in it on their website.

• Click here to visit the website of A Thin Place ( this link will open in a new window).