ART IN BAGHDAD

On the banks of the Tigris River in Baghdad, a combat zone only weeks ago, a row of art galleries showcase abstract art, made in Iraq.

Clients are scarce at the galleries on Abu Nawas Street. Only a few wander in on a July afternoon, what with looting and shooting prevalent after the toppling of President Saddam Hussein. ``We can't put a high price on a painting, because no one will buy it,'' said Abdullah Omar, co-owner of the Al-Meezan Gallery, pointing to a geometric work he said is worth twice the $300 price tag.

Omar and other gallery owners are betting on a rebound as soon as Baghdad Airport reopens and artists and dealers travel abroad. Art sellers say they long for the freedom of expression and commerce that regime change can bring. The hope, too, is that Iraqi artists living abroad will soon sell works in their home country.

Already, Omar said he is taking 200 paintings by a group of Iraqi artists to Berlin for a temporary showing, a trip that would have been unthinkable under Hussein.