-
Where Are the Arabs?,
Vegetable Market, Amman 2009, photographs by Ali Saadi -
Where Are the Arabs?,
Vegetable Market, Amman 2009, photographs by Ali Saadi -
Where Are the Arabs?,
Vegetable Market, Amman 2009, photographs by Ali Saadi -
Where Are the Arabs?,
Vegetable Market, Amman 2009, photographs by Ali Saadi
Where are the Arabs?, 2009
Video documentation of public performance and intervention, Amman, 2008
photo by Ali Saadi
Artist's Statement
Where are the Arabs? is a project that investigates Arab identity and the public’s approach to the notion of Arab Unity.
It attempts to mimic the usual presentation of a speech performed by figures of (political) authority. This interactive work encourages audience participation, which adds new dimensions to the work in every one of its formats. Through this platform people are invited to playfully contemplate history and reflect on their connection to it, as well as how it is formulated in present-day identities.
The work is also a commentary on the use of the Arabic language in the past and the
present. It meditates on the ideas around repetition (seen in the
reiteration of ideas throughout the length of the speech). Repetition is used
in the Arabic language to emphasize and project conviction; where in this
work it is used to generate boredom, thus reversing its functionality.
The use of Jamal Abdul Nasser in this work is a metaphoric reference to a part of
our recent history. The work utilizes an iconic figure who resonates strongly
in the contemporary Arab consciousness in the framework of a utopian and
glorious past. As a work in the public realm, there are two power structures
that come into the equation; The Audience, and the State. Each of these play
a part in the making of the work. In the Emirates, the work was intended to
be executed in a shopping mall, but a permit for the performance was not
granted. In Amman, a permit for filming kept the Secret Services from
halting the work.
Samah Hijawi
2009
• A video of Hijawi's performance of this work in Amman was played during the exhibition.
present. It meditates on the ideas around repetition (seen in the
reiteration of ideas throughout the length of the speech). Repetition is used
in the Arabic language to emphasize and project conviction; where in this
work it is used to generate boredom, thus reversing its functionality.
The use of Jamal Abdul Nasser in this work is a metaphoric reference to a part of
our recent history. The work utilizes an iconic figure who resonates strongly
in the contemporary Arab consciousness in the framework of a utopian and
glorious past. As a work in the public realm, there are two power structures
that come into the equation; The Audience, and the State. Each of these play
a part in the making of the work. In the Emirates, the work was intended to
be executed in a shopping mall, but a permit for the performance was not
granted. In Amman, a permit for filming kept the Secret Services from
halting the work.
Samah Hijawi
2009
• A video of Hijawi's performance of this work in Amman was played during the exhibition.
Related Events
-
21.11.09 – 20.02.10
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
