CCS Bard Exhibition Traces Baghdad Modern Art Group's Post-Colonial Legacy

At Bard College, the Hessel Museum of Art is showcasing 'All Manner of Experiments: Legacies of the Baghdad Modern Art Group.' Curated by Nada Shabout alongside Tiffany Floyd and Lauren Cornell, this exhibition comprises over 60 pieces and archival items from approximately 25 artists, such as Jewad Selim and Shakir Hassan Al Said. It explores the group's inception in 1951 and its development over time. Notable pieces include Selim's 'Children's Games' from 1953 and Al Said's 'Portrait of a Belle' from 1955. While archival documents reflect early exhibitions, some information is missing due to destruction following the US invasion. The exhibition, which runs until October 19, also features contemporary Iraqi artists from the diaspora, emphasizing the movement's significance amidst Iraq's complex history.