The Threat to Iraq’s Artistic Heritage: Counterfeiting and Illicit Trafficking
Introduction
Iraq’s artistic heritage has faced numerous threats throughout the years, from war and looting to the current rampant counterfeiting and illicit trafficking. This article explores the challenges faced by Iraqi art, particularly the works of its modern pioneers, and the efforts being made to combat forgery and preserve the country’s cultural legacy.
The Value of Iraqi Modern Art
Iraqi modern art, particularly the works of artists like Shakir Hassan Al-Said, holds immense value both in terms of artistic significance and monetary worth. Al-Said, a pioneering Iraqi artist and co-founder of the Baghdad Modern Art Group, created masterpieces that can fetch up to $100,000 at auction. His works, along with other Iraqi artists from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, are highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts.
The Battle Against Counterfeits
Counterfeiting has become a significant problem for Iraqi art, with forgers attempting to replicate and sell fake works of renowned artists. The family of Shakir Hassan Al-Said has been actively involved in preventing the sale of counterfeit pieces attributed to him. They have established communication channels with international auction houses and galleries to ensure the authenticity of his works. To safeguard his legacy, they are also working on a comprehensive catalogue that will serve as a reference against future forgeries.
The Vulnerability of Iraqi Art
The vulnerability of Iraqi art stems from the tumultuous history of the country, including wars and political instability. The security vacuum following Saddam Hussein’s fall led to widespread looting of museums and private collections, resulting in the loss of thousands of valuable artworks. The National Museum of Modern Art in Baghdad, for example, saw a significant reduction in its collection from 8,000 to around 2,000 pieces. The unreliable inventory system further complicates the task of determining the true extent of missing artworks.
The Regional Context
While forgery and illicit trafficking of art are prevalent across the region, Iraq faces unique challenges due to its history of exile, wars, and corruption. The exile of artists and the successive conflicts have created an environment conducive to forgery. The problem is not limited to Iraq alone but is particularly acute in the country due to these multiple layers of challenges.
Combating Corruption and Forgery
Forgery is just one aspect of the broader problem of corruption in Iraq, which has become deeply embedded in the system. Addressing forgery requires a comprehensive effort to tackle corruption at all levels. Initiatives by the museum and Ministry of Culture to recover stolen art and provide information to Interpol about missing pieces are steps in the right direction. However, the lack of reliable inventory records and the difficulty in determining ownership make the task challenging.
Preserving Iraq’s Artistic Legacy
Preserving Iraq’s artistic legacy requires a multi-faceted approach. Efforts to document and catalogue the works of renowned artists like Shakir Hassan Al-Said are crucial in providing a reference against future forgeries. Collaboration with international auction houses and galleries can help ensure the authenticity of artworks. Additionally, addressing corruption and improving security measures are essential for safeguarding Iraq’s cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Iraq’s artistic heritage has faced numerous threats throughout its history, from war and looting to rampant counterfeiting and illicit trafficking. Preserving this cultural legacy requires a concerted effort to combat forgery, address corruption, and improve security measures. By documenting and cataloguing the works of renowned artists and collaborating with international institutions, Iraq can protect its artistic heritage for future generations.