The Global in Iraqi Art

We explored the contentious role of the ‘global’, examining the role of the US and Iran and other actors within Iraq itself as well as the ways in which artists actively sought to use and integrate images and iconic and memorable symbolism from popular media, film, music and art as a form of expression. By using globally recognisable themes and images, protestors attempted to prise open the relative isolation they had endured and to reach out to international audiences to shed light on their situation and raise awareness. This generally was manifested as assemblage, combining and creating new forms of artwork to explain but also contest the negative role of international and regional actors in the country. The uses of satirical and caricature artwork, widely used in Iraq and the region as a form of criticism, were also covered.