Iraq Pavilion at 2017 Venice Biennale to display looted ancient artifacts alongside contemporary works

At the 2017 Venice Biennale, running from May 13 to November 26 at Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti, the Iraq pavilion will feature forty ancient artifacts from Baghdad's National Museum. These items, which include medical tools, statues, and jugs that date back over 7,000 years, were primarily looted during the 2003 US-led invasion and were returned to Iraq in 2010 with the help of an Interpol initiative from the Netherlands. The exhibition, called Archaic, will also showcase modern works by artists like Luay Fadhil and Ali Arkady, alongside historical pieces by Jawad Salim and Shaker Hassan Al Said. Additionally, Francis Alÿs will present a commissioned piece reflecting on themes of war and nomadism, influenced by his time in Northern Iraq, organized by the Ruya Foundation.