The Cellar - View Single Post - 2/18/2004: Iraqi artist creates statue of US GI

hermex · 02-19-2004, 02:15 PM

I don't feel compelled to dislike this sculpture because I don't support the war. I just think it's a lousy scupture, an oversized Precious Moments figurine.

I find it offensive that Iraq's presence in the sculpture is as a little girl feeling sorry for an American. It makes an incredibly complicated relationship idiotically simple.

And it reminds me of those initial images of cheering Iraqis toppling the statue of Saddam. Later we discover that it was a handful of Iraqis being helped by American military. A great image, but a deceptive one. Just like these photos would make you think this Iraqi artist spontaneously created a tribute to American soldiers. In fact, it was paid for by Americans to memorialize themselves (and that's where the artist's former job seems a bit ironic).

Support Our Troops Disclaimer -- I support our troops. I really don't want them to die, I just don't like this sculpture.

02-19-2004, 02:15 PM	#15
hermex Dry Nurse Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Berkeley, CA Posts: 23	I don't feel compelled to dislike this sculpture because I don't support the war. I just think it's a lousy scupture, an oversized Precious Moments figurine. I find it offensive that Iraq's presence in the sculpture is as a little girl feeling sorry for an American. It makes an incredibly complicated relationship idiotically simple. And it reminds me of those initial images of cheering Iraqis toppling the statue of Saddam. Later we discover that it was a handful of Iraqis being helped by American military. A great image, but a deceptive one. Just like these photos would make you think this Iraqi artist spontaneously created a tribute to American soldiers. In fact, it was paid for by Americans to memorialize themselves (and that's where the artist's former job seems a bit ironic). Support Our Troops Disclaimer -- I support our troops. I really don't want them to die, I just don't like this sculpture.