An important figure in modern Iraqi art, Faisal Laibi Sahi works with oils, acrylic, water colours and ink to create lively, colourful paintings which convey a distinctly Iraqi style of painting and expression. Many of his vibrant painted works complexly depict everyday Iraqi life in history, including coffee shop scenes, while he has also worked with detailed ceramics and simplified linear drawings.

Living outside of Iraq for about three decades and now settled in London, Laibi Sahi acquires continual inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of pre-Islamic Mesopotamian civilisations, namely Sumer, Babylon and Assyria. Influences from these civilisations are mixed with modern techniques and skilfully woven into his works. His coffee shop pieces often depict a variety of influential figures within Iraqi society, sometimes containing political references. His paintings and drawings express a keen sense of historical identity that surpasses patriotism.

Laibi Sahi studied in Baghdad in the late sixties before furthering his education in Paris. Since 1966, Laibi Sahi has held many solo shows in Iraq, Algeria, Britain, Italy and Germany, as well as participating in numerous group shows the world over.