Michael Rakowitz's Art Exhibition: A Reflection on War and Memory

Michael Rakowitz's exhibition, "Proxies for Poets and Palaces," currently on display at the Stavanger Art Museum, marks his first major survey in Norway. The exhibition features a collection of works that address the impact of war, particularly focusing on the consequences of the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. Central to the exhibition are eight wall reliefs created specifically for this show, part of Rakowitz's ongoing series, The Invisible Enemy Should Not Exist, which aims to recreate over 7,000 artifacts looted from Baghdad’s Iraq Museum and other archaeological sites during the conflict.

New York Observer

Rakowitz's new reliefs are constructed from cardboard, Arabic newspapers, and food packaging, symbolizing the fragility of cultural heritage and the tragedies inflicted by war. The materials used are significant, as they reflect both the general and specific losses experienced by Iraqi society. The arrangement of these pieces creates a "room within a room," inviting viewers to engage with the themes of nostalgia and loss, while also critiquing the treatment of cultural artifacts as refuse.

New York Observer

In addition to the new works, the exhibition includes older pieces, such as the film The Ballad of Special Ops Cody (2017), which explores the intersection of military culture and consumerism through the lens of a toy sold on military bases in Iraq. This film highlights the complexities of identity and memory in the context of war.

New York Observer

While Rakowitz's work has been praised for its poignant commentary on war and cultural loss, some critics argue that contemporary art often shies away from directly addressing the realities of conflict. The reluctance of artists to engage with war themes may stem from concerns about marketability and audience reception. This raises questions about the role of art in society and the responsibilities of artists in times of conflict.

New York Observer

The Stavanger Art Museum has positioned Rakowitz's exhibition as a vital exploration of cultural memory and the effects of war. The museum emphasizes the importance of engaging with these themes, especially as geopolitical tensions continue to evolve.

New York Observer

"Michael Rakowitz: Proxies for Poets and Palaces" will be on view at the Stavanger Art Museum until March 15, 2026. The exhibition is expected to provoke further discussions about the intersection of art, war, and cultural identity, encouraging audiences to reflect on the ongoing implications of conflict in contemporary society.

New York Observer

• “Troops on those bases were supposed to send these toys home to their kids as gifts.” — Observer Article

New York Observer