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Michael Rakowitz: Artistic Chameleon

Installation view, Michael Rakowitz, The worst condition is to pass under a sword which is not one’s own, Tate Modern, January–May 2010. © Michael Rakowitz

Photo © Tate Photography

What is the impetus for an artist to do what they do? For Chicago artist Michael Rakowitz, history and current events—personal and global—inspire many of his projects, videos, sculptures, and culinary interventions. In advance of Michael Rakowitz: Backstroke of the West opening to the public on Saturday, September 16, we are sharing an A/V list to illuminate some of the issues Rakowitz explores in his work.

RETURN, 2004–ongoing

Michael Rakowitz: Artistic Chameleon video still

RETURN

Enemy Kitchen, 2006–ongoing

Michael Rakowitz: Artistic Chameleon video still

Enemy Kitchen

The invisible enemy should not exist, 2007–ongoing

Michael Rakowitz: Artistic Chameleon video still

Lost Iraqi Art

The worst condition is to pass under a sword which is not one’s own, 2009

Michael Rakowitz: Artistic Chameleon video still

TateShots

Radio Silence, 2017

Michael Rakowitz: Artistic Chameleon video still

Radio Silence