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with Iraq that led to more than a decade of sanctions
and the 2003 Iraq War. These wars and their aftermaths
have had devastating impacts on Iraq and its people,
THEATER OF OPERATIONS: contributing to the destabilization of the broader Middle
THE GULF WARS 1991–2011 East. Conflict with Iraq has also become an enduring part
of American life, influencing culture, politics, and identity.
The Museum of Modern Art | PS1
The artists in Theater of Operations were also impacted by
significant cultural change during this period—including
MoMA PS1 presents a large-scale group exhibition the advent of the 24-hour news cycle, the Internet, and
examining the legacies of American-led military new media and military technologies. The wide range of
engagement in Iraq beginning with the Gulf War in 1991. perspectives included in this exhibition also attests to the
Through more than 250 works, Theater of Operations: The rich artistic traditions of contemporary Iraq, with artists
Gulf Wars 1991-2011 explores the effects of these wars working under conditions of war, embargo, and occupation
on artists based in Iraq and its diasporas, as well as those placed in conversation with those responding to these
responding to the war from the West. Featuring the work wars from afar.
of over 80 artists and collectives, Theater of Operations
will be on view across the entire MoMA PS1 building from Theater of Operations: The Gulf Wars 1991–2011 is
November 3, 2019 through March 1, 2020. organized by Peter Eleey, Chief Curator, and Ruba
American-led military engagement in Iraq over the last 30 Katrib, Curator, MoMA PS1. Major support for Theater of
years has had an indelible impact on contemporary culture Operations: The Gulf Wars 1991–2011 is provided by The
and the work of artists around the world. While brief, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts.
1991 Gulf War marked the start of a prolonged conflict
Himat M. Ali. Al Mutanabbi Street Baghdad. 2007. Mixed media on paper; 12
bound books in wooden slipcase, Each: 13 3/8 × 9 13/16″ (34 × 25 cm).
Courtesy the artist and Azzawi Collection, London. Photo: Anthony Dawton
40 WORLD of ART