ON THE SUBJECT OF WAR: artistic responses to Iraq & Afghanistan

About

Conditions of war have changed since the 1930s and 1940s, but the potential of war photography to shape politics, opinion and lives, remains real. On the Subject of War presents some of the most significant works of international contemporary art made in the context of current events in Iraq and Afghanistan: Omer Fast's The Casting, (2007); Geert van Kesteren's Why Mister, Why?, (2004) and Baghdad Calling, (2008); Paul Chan's Tin Drum Trilogy, (2002—05) and An-My Là ª's 29 Palms, (2006) and Events Ashore, (2005—08). Each artist reflects on the subjects of war and their experience of conflict — whether as victims, combatants, perpetrators or observers. At the same time, each considers how visual imagery mediates our experience and understanding of conflict, and questions the capacity of art to effect change in a time of war.