Michael Rakowitz's "Every Weapon Is A Tool If You Hold It Right"

As part of EXPO Chicago's IN/SITU Outside program, Michael Rakowitz will display his project Every Weapon Is A Tool If You Hold It Right, a continuation of his studies in Iraqi cultural studies and traditions. "Every Weapon Is A Tool If You Hold It Right seeks to recuperate carp as surrogates for convenient ecological and geopolitical alliances from the past, now unwanted. building on his ongoing project Enemy Kitchen, artist Michael Rakowitz once again works in collaboration with the city's community of Iraqi émigrés and US veterans of the Iraq War. Together, they go on carp fishing excursions in Chicagoland's waters, led by World Champion angler Johnny Wilkins, preparing masgouf from the day's catch. The stakes supporting the fish while it cooks in the fire pit are fashioned from Iraqi and American bayonets. The gutting knife was forged by Saddam Hussein's personal sword maker."