Disposable Man no.3 (Self-portrait)

Mahmoud Obaidi is a multidisciplinary conceptual artist. He is known for his provocative artworks that confront political, social, and psychological issues. His art weaves together shared memories and personal experiences. Common themes include displacement, loss, and the fragility of human identity.

Disposable Man is a series that explores the experiences of individuals compelled to leave their homelands. These individuals search for safety, dignity, or better opportunities. The series highlights the deep human impact of displacement and migration.

This triptych, an artwork in three pieces, on paper conveys a striking sense of dislocation. The figures seem suspended between the two worlds. They no longer belong to their home country, yet they do not fully belong to their new one. In this fragile space, identity becomes increasingly defined by bureaucratic systems—documents, files, and official systems.

Obaidi’s use of paper highlights how delicate human emotion can be. The grey tones add to the feeling of uncertainty and distance. Traces of coffee and tea appear across the surface. These everyday marks suggest waiting, conversation, and endurance. Through this work, Obaidi asks viewers to look beyond borders. He reminds us of the shared value of human life, even in moments of loss and displacement.