Exhibition in Iraq <> Exhibition in the UK
This project concentrates on two main stages. Firstly, I have put on a solo exhibition in the Ismail Khayat gallery in Iraq. Secondly, I exhibited in a group show in the UK. The juxtaposition of these two exhibitions and the dialogue they created is where this project lies.
British people have ideas, pre-conceptions and stereotypes about what people are like in Iraq and the Middle East.
Equally people who live in these areas have ideas, preconceptions and stereotypes about what British people are like. I have intentionally taken work back to Iraq that was created in Luton and showcased my own culture to local people. It has become a cultural exchange. I aimed to show some common humanity and the beauty and dignity to be found in every culture and society. There are three collections of work I exhibited in Iraq; Firstly, a project called Lutopia, which is reproductions of large scale photomontages, depicting everyday scenes from Luton in the UK. Secondly, the portraits of everyday people living in the town. Thirdly, there are prints showing some of the exhibitions and events in the UK, that showcased work by Kurdish and Arab artists and photographers. The project attempts to challenge sensationalist or traditional art responses to war and war zones. I tried to address the cross cultural notion of the “other” or foreigner by showing common humanity.
I collected feedback at the exhibition and the general response was very positive. I have documented the English speaking interviews in this video. The gallery has now mounted the work and is touring it around a number of galleries and locations in the region. It was important that the subject of the exhibition was from Luton, this is both because it is where I live and because of the tensions the town is facing relate to some of the tensions in Iraq.