About the Exhibit
This exhibit is presented as a resource for those interested in exploring modern Iraqi struggle and resistance through contemporary visual art. It was initially prepared to complement the University Library’s fall 2023 display of material from the Shadow and Light project, providing essential context and connection to Iraqi artists and their histories. The curators hope to center surviving Iraqi artists as they explore their national and artistic identities and respond to the cycles of violence caused by the Iran-Iraq war, sanctions, and occupation. Given our location and personal connections with the large Iraqi community in metro-Detroit, we were able to draw on first hand accounts from primary sources such as Dr. Karim, who generously shared his stories and material from his private collection.
Acknowledgements
This exhibit was curated by Zainab Hakim and Serena Safawi during the summer 2023 Michigan Library Scholars program at the University of Michigan Library. Evyn Kropf and Jamie Vander Broek served as mentors and provided editorial assistance. Evyn Kropf also provided metadata for the online exhibit. Caitlin Pollock provided guidance on online exhibit structure and accessible image description. Thanks to Gabriel Duque and other contributors to the Michigan Library Scholars program for their support. Finally, special thanks to Dr. Mohammed Karim for sharing with us his knowledge, his experiences, and his photo archive.
Bibliography
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Rights Statement
The University of Michigan Library has placed copies of these works online for educational and research purposes. These works may be under copyright. If you decide to use any of these works, you are responsible for making your own legal assessment and securing any necessary permission. If you have questions about this exhibit, please contact Evyn Kropf or Jamie Vander Broek. If you have any technical problems with this exhibit, please contact ask-omeka@umich.edu.
Art as Resistance