Baghdad Journal: An Artist in Occupied Iraq

From Baghdad Journal

New York artist Steve Mumford traveled to Baghdad four times in 2003 and 2004 following the American invasion, and his on-the-spot drawings and paintings vividly capture everyday life for both Iraqis and Americans during the drama and the downtime of a country in turmoil. Here are three paintings from his book, with Mumford's own comments on his subjects:

Street sweepers in Baghdad. Hundreds of students were hired by the Coalition Provisional Authority in August 2003 to tackle Baghdad's massive trash problem since the invasion. Inside a Paladin: One night the base was attacked with 20 mortar rounds, and the artillery crews fired back. Staff Sgt. Diego Jimenez aimed the rounds, which Sgt. Narciso Martinez set and Pfc. Javier Vasquez fired.Capt. Hector Maldonado talking with a Shi'ite imam after the arrest of another imam for inciting violence. Annoyed at being given a warning, at one point the imam tried to take [Mumford's] drawing away. Posters of Muqtada Sadr decorated the columns.