abandoned positions

abandoned positions is the continuation of outposts of resistance, a multi-staged, research-based, documentary performance/ video work on the causes, course and results of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003).

In order to gather material for abandoned positions, Sebastian Hirn and Lisa Hörstmann travelled around the United States from March to August 2018 where they conducted interviews with Iraq veterans and collected various film material. Rather than presenting one particular interpretation of the events surrounding Operation Iraqi Freedom, the project gives a platform to the stories of individuals immediately involved and offers an array of perspectives. The uncommented statements of the interviewees stand for themselves, paying respect to each individual’s story and outlook.

The research was facilitated by artist residencies at Santa Fe Art Institute, NM and Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, Omaha, NE as well as by the Senate of Berlin.

In order to expand the material, Sebastian Hirn conducted further…