E25 Kriege, kollektives Trauma und Heilung in Bagdad: Talk mit der deutsch-irakischen Künstlerin Furat Al-Jamil
Summary
Host Karim El-Gohari interviews Iraqi-German artist Farad Eljamil in Baghdad’s historic Al-Watar House. They discuss her role in reviving Iraq’s art scene, including the first Iraqi pavilion at the Venice Biennale, and her art’s focus on healing and forensic reconstruction. The conversation covers Baghdad’s urban changes, the removal of concrete barriers, and the persistent challenges of corruption, sectarianism, and environmental decay.
Topics discussed
Introduction to the podcast and guest Farad Jamil
Rescuing German citizens during the Gulf War
Growing up in Germany and learning Arabic in Iraq
Art installation at the Venice Biennale
Changes in Iraqi society and the art scene
Artists dealing with trauma and conflict
Symbolism of repair and honey in art
Removal of security barriers and freedom
Identity struggles and discrimination
Renovating historic buildings vs modern construction
Environmental issues: deforestation and pollution
Political structure and sectarian divisions
The 2019 protest movement and its aftermath
Economic challenges and the public sector
Women's rights and societal roles
Art project identifying victims of ISIS
Conclusion: Art as political and social act
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