Project Description

The Neighbour Before the House is a series of video probes into the landscape of East Jerusalem. Shot with a PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) security camera, these images show that before and after instrumental «surveillance» there is inquisitiveness, jest,
memory, desire and doubt pervades the project of watching. Often the image leads
the commentary. At other times, the narrative spills out first and the live camera
operator seeks an image that might provide evidence. Palestinian residents evaluate
what they see, and reflect on the nature of their distance from others. They observe
nearby archeological digs, their homes, the wall, both near and far settlement
activity, and other seemingly mundane aspects of the relentless occupation of East
Jerusalem. The project unfolded over a month in neighbourhoods and homes in
the Old City, Sheikh Jarra and Silwan and in other areas of Greater Jerusalem
including Beit Hanina and Azariyah. The project stems from CAMP and Shaina
Anand’s earlier work around critical documentary, participation and surveillance
systems.
Project by Shaina Anand, Ashok Sukumaran and Nida Ghouse, with Mahmoud Jiddah, Shereen Barakat and Mahasen Nasser Eldin. Commissioned for the Jerusalem Show 2009 curated by Jack Persekian and Nina Montmann

April 2011