In 1979 Moutashar produced works for a solo show in Baghdad: this would be his last solo exhibition in his home country. The exhibition entitled ‘Mehdi Moutashar’ which opened on 3 January 1980 consisted of large rectangular canvas paintings in black combined with painted aluminium bars positioned at different angles. These works allude to his earlier investigations of rotating patterns and squares, but they also mark the beginnings of his three-dimensional paintings. Combinations of canvas, wood, aluminium, elastic and other materials to create optical experiences have come to define his contemporary practice. Of the five paintings he exhibited in Baghdad two were destroyed and only three remain with the artist.