Abu Ghraib

nationality
American
birth-death
1939-
Creation date
Collection
Prints
Materials
lithograph
Dimensions
20 x 14 in. (sheet)
Not Currently On View
Credit line
Gift of Ann M. and Chris Stack
Accession number
2007.20
Provenance
Purchased by Ann and Chris Stack, Indianapolis, from the publisher, Gemini G.E.L., Los Angeles, California, 2004.
Gallery Label

Since its release to the media in April of 2004, the picture of a hooded prisoner suffering torture at the hands of United States soldiers at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq has circulated widely. The image is shown here in a lithograph by Richard Serra, who rendered the silhouette in rough strokes of an oil stick.

Known primarily for his massive steel sculptures, Serra first drew this figure as a political statement, with block letters reading "Stop Bush." He reproduced the work in art magazines; on a billboard; and as a flyer circulated freely online, at conventions, and at the 2006 Whitney Biennial alongside the original drawing. The figure here, with no written statement, is a testament to the power of an image and its life through popular distribution.

Reproduction of these images, including downloading, is prohibited without written authorization from VAGA.

350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2820
New York, NY 10118
Tel: 212-736-6666
Fax: 212-736-6767
e-mail: info@vagarights.com
site: http://www.vaga.org/

Tell us what you see

What Others Saw

 

Today's Hours

Today the IMA is open 11 am to 9 pm. ADMISSION IS FREE.

IMA Calendar

Directions to the IMA

Get directions using Google Maps

Type in your zip code OR Your Address (street, city state)