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What role do artists play in times of war? How can art bear witness to destruction, violence, loss, resilience and hope? How do artists navigate the tension between aesthetic beauty and the devastation of war? And what does it mean to create in, or in response to, conflict? To mark IWM’s exhibition ‘Beauty and Destruction: Wartime London in Art’, the IWM Institute will stage a panel discussion exploring the unique power of art to both document and shape the course of conflict throughout history. Our lineup of artists and academics will examine the evolving role of the war artist, the myriad ethical questions around the visual representation of violence, and the enduring power of art to provoke reflection and inspire dialogue. In an evening of debate and discussion, speakers will examine art, photography and film made in times of conflict as documents of truth, memory, drama and protest.

Following the event, guests are invited to enjoy exclusive after-hours access to our 'Beauty and Destruction' exhibition.