In Baghdad, art blooms as violence recedes

The American vision of Iraq is one long marred by war, masking ideas of a rich, artistic culture.

Behind this image, however, lies a culture filled to the brim with vibrant, bright art created by talented local artists. And it was this image that Penfield native Capt. Evan Davies wanted to expose while he serves overseas as a troop commander in the U.S. Army. Davies helped to organize the country’s first prominent art show in two years.

A prominent Iraqi artist, Laith Al Turk, put the show together  with Davies and an Iraqi philanthropist, Dr. Muayad Hamad. Davies’ brother, Stephen, visited during the exhibit, as a photographer embedded with the troops.

Between May 15 and 19, in what was previously one of the most violent areas in Baghdad, 45 of Iraq’s most prominent artists displayed work at the show.

Artwork by Al Turk covered the walls, joined by Nibras Hashim and Sabbah Hammad. Other artists hailed from the United States, Europe, Australia and across the Middle East. Most of the artists graduated from the Baghdad Fine Arts Institution, and had participated in several international shows.

The art show ran in the Doura district of Baghdad. Davies says he chose this area in order to showcase the progress the area’s government, citizens and Iraqi Security Forces had made.

“I wanted to portray Doura as a area where a cultural resurgence was occurring, and thus promote that Doura was once again ready for economic growth, promoting jobs, further increasing security and overall improving the quality of life for its citizens,” Davies said in an e-mail. “Most artists were hesitant to even allow their artwork to be displayed in Doura, for fear that it would be destroyed,” he said.

Davies has been in the Army since 2005 and is currently stationed as the Troop Commander in Baghdad, as part of the Advise and Assist Brigade, which partners with the Iraqi Federal Police Brigade.

He got the idea to organize the show after another military unit conducted a show on a smaller scale in November 2008. Being in Baghdad, Davies was able to see deeper, past violence and the war. He was able to see truth about Doura, and wanted to change the “public perception and preconceived bias” that both Iraqis and Americans had about Doura.

“Iraq’s history is rich with culture, however it is far from in the forefront of daily conversation,” Davies said. “I wanted to demonstrate something that helps to unify a culture.”

He says that many Americans stationed in Iraq, as well as those viewing the war from media outlets and stories home, have a different perspective on Iraq, and the Doura district, than what is reality in the district.

“The appreciation of [art] can be a powerful tool to demonstrate to United States forces in Iraq that the people they help to protect have a unique side that is not often exposed,” he said. “Art transcends the language barrier.”

Stephen Davies, who spent two weeks embedded with his brother’s unit and American troops as a photographer, saw first-hand the differences in Iraq.

“As a civilian, Iraq, or more specifically Baghdad, was a very interesting and diverse place,” he said. “I experienced areas that were war-torn and poor, to the International Zone that contained beautiful villas that Saddam Hussein built for family members.”

His take on the art show, however, remains positive.

“It was an amazing event to attend and experience,” he said. “Especially since it was a public art show in Doura filled with art from prominent Iraqi artists.  By viewing the art, I could see the influence that war has had on the artists.  Some express themes of violence during war while others express hope and change.”

Both brothers hope the show will have a long-standing effect on the country — and the city — that are both working to change for the better.

“From what I was told, a public art show could never have been possible two years ago, it would have been too dangerous,” Stephen Davies said. “Because of the hard work and sacrifices of the United States forces and the people of Doura taking control of their community, the art show was possible and a huge success.”

Nine media outlets in Iraq covered the show.

“All channels had positive things to say about the show, achieving the goal of presenting Doura as the most progressive and safe district in Baghdad,” Evan Davies said.
Between the art show and the positive media coverage, Davies says the outlook for the previously dangerous district has improved.

“The image and perception of Doura has changed in Baghdad for the better,” he said. “Business is booming, property values are up, internally displaced persons are moving back into the area, and the Iraqi Federal Police are maintaining security. The impact of this show will be felt in this district, and throughout Baghdad, for quite some time.”