Like all war torn countries it’s generally expected that the art that comes out of it will deal head on with these traumas. But, what made this such a compelling exhibition were the challenges to this assumption. Instead of making artwork about the war, the artists  display a ‘Spirit of 45’ or ‘make do and get by’ attitude, lamenting the legacy of war and the everyday disruption. Artists involved in the exhibition were chosen based on their air of inventiveness, borne out of necessity that practicing art through these extraordinary circumstances brings. Artists include, a political cartoonist Abdul Raheem Yassir, sculptor Furat al Jamil and the artistic duo WAMI who use new and used cardboard to replicate the furnishings of Iraqi houses.

You’ll be able to sup tea at this exhibition too, whilst pursuing the national archive library books from Iraq, an active space which encourages learning about the wider culture of this country. (Words: Laura Thornley)

The exhibition is on until 1 June. For more info: www.southlondongallery.org/page/144/Welcome-to-Iraq/954

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