MEEM Gallery
Dubai

“I feel I have to do something which documents such an awful incident in my history”
Dia al-Azzawi 

In the Winter of 2022, Meem Gallery exhibited ‘Mission of Destruction’ (2004-07) by Dia al-Azzawi, a work he considers “the most important work of my history of art”. Painted over three years, Azzawi created an immense and all-consuming composition, measuring 2.4 by 15 metres, in response to George W. Bush’s speech in May 2003 in which he proclaimed the battle of Iraq to be a “victory” as he stood in front of a banner, which boldly stated “Mission Accomplished”. Azzawi considered this work to be a form of protest, especially against the destruction of museums, libraries and other cultural institutions across Iraq, seeing the mission of the occupation of Iraq as pure destruction rather than liberation. This panoramic masterpiece is a continuation of his efforts to document harrowing and unjust events in the region, most notably in his works ‘Sabra and Shatila Massacre’ (1982-83), ‘The Body’s Anthem’ (1978-79) and his ‘Land of Darkness’ series (1990s onwards), where he uses art to commemorate these forgotten moments, and provide a vivid visual testimony for those who suffered.