Susan Hamburger's " In Situ"
Takes a Wry Look at U.S. - Iraqi Politics

NEW YORK (August 28, 2006):

Appalled by the news of the Bush administration’s plans for a palatial U.S. embassy in war-torn Iraq, Susan Hamburger’s response is a punfilled site-specific  installation that transforms Cheryl McGinnis Gallery into a faux late-18th century style “embassy”  room. With a sardonic look at U.S.-Iraqi politics, she has painted two large-scale panels entitled,  “It’s Not Just A Job, It’s An Occupation, Parts I & II.” Using the Croome Court Tapestry room at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as a template, Hamburger addresses the issues of cultural  imperialism, government power and corruption within the framework of lushly painted Rococo  imagery.

In “Part I,” the original medallions based on Boucher’s paintings of the elements are  replaced by two of Saddam Hussein’s overthrown palaces as Bush, Cheney and Rove cherubs  hover around a vase painted with the dictator’s likeness; “Part II,” features the new U.S. embassy  under construction. Within the setting, Hamburger also includes “The Cabinet,” a trompe l’oiel dinnerware set drawn in ink on paper and based on one of Spode’s Imperialware motifs.  Housed  in a foam board cabinet, the collection portrays members of the Bush administration. Period elements, such as wainscoting and crown moldings, also made of foam board, tie together the  installation.

Throughout her career, Hamburger’s finely rendered paintings and drawings have explored spatial, emotional and psychological connections with objects, furniture and architecture. This is her second solo exhibition with Cheryl McGinnis Gallery.