Matthew Cook: An Illustrator in Iraq
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In March 2003, as the coalition forces were poised to enter Iraq, Matthew Cook, an illustrator and member of the Territorial Army, flew into Kuwait City. Using just a tiny map of the country torn out of a newspaper, Matthew jumped into a hired car, having only just passed his driving test, and crossed the border into Iraq.
Matthew went to Iraq not to fight, but to draw. He was hired by The Times as its war artist to cover the conflict ñ a unique commission in Fleet Street.
Matthew worked fast and on location, using three basic colours which he mixed on the spot, sometimes having to do so with his own spit or urine, to file a unique record of war. His work, thanks to its superb quality and newsworthiness, graced the front and lead pages of the broadsheet Times.
Five months later, Matthew returned to Iraq, this time to serve as a Territorial soldier. He continued to draw and paint, recording his impressions of a dangerous and uncertain postwar country.
An exhibition of Matthew Cook’s Iraq war art opens at the Coningsby Gallery on October 25. It comprises more than 90 drawings and paintings executed during his two tours as an artist and soldier. It is an outstanding body of work in the great tradition of British war art by illustrators such as Paul Nash, Eric Ravilious and Edward Bawden. All works are for sale.
David Driver, head of design at The Times, chose Matthew for this assignment. He says: “For many illustrators, the requirements of reportage would be too exacting. Matthew is able to rise above the challenge because of the fluency, acuity and sheer quality of his drawing.”