The Art of Conflict

For up-to-date information on the show, click here.

From July 29, 2010 to August 28, 2010, IARP’s show The Art of Conflict: Identity in War and Displacement brought 15 pieces by Iraqi artists and 15 pieces by American artists together in dialogue on the effects of war and displacement. The show was held at Tarnish and Gold gallery in Minneapolis and featured two Iraqi artists who traveled from Iraq to Minneapolis for the exhibit.

Middle East Madonna, by James Allen

Art has a unique power to make “indescribable” experiences real. This show enabled artists, including U.S. veteran and Iraqi artists, to make experiences of war and displacement real for Minnesotans and Americans.

Programming at the gallery included a film screening of The Unreturned, an award-winning documentary about 5 Iraqi refugee families produced by a Minnesota native; an arts therapy group; talks by veterans, refugee groups, and others with experience of war and displacement; and letter-writing to Iraqis.

Stories are made real only in the telling…

…We will tell our stories of war and displacement through art

The Art of Conflict Featured Artists Night

“I am happy to say I went to the opening of the exhibition at Tarnish and Gold gallery, and thought it was very impressive work. I also attended the evening of the two artists from Iraq speaking about their work, and their countries. Again, I was deeply impressed by the many aspects of the activity, the lively, honest presentations and richness of feeling all around. Throughout was the strong sense of spiritual presence, of a true thing happening, one that could give something to the folks attending, something for their lives, and something for the Iraqi effort. Ms. Monica Haller’s presentation was also so rich, probing, faithful, and positive-still about the long sad war. This was unusual, these events needed to happen and have happened and I would love to see them continue. Thank you for your work with this, please continue.”

- Attendee at The Art of Conflict