Title of work: “Altar of Play: Between Two Shores”
Context:
"Altar of Play: Between Two Shores", an ode to identities, migrations, and intercultural dialogues. The act of migration inherently involves the merging of cultures, beliefs, and customs, with food being one of the most tangible and intimate intersections of these convergences.
Artistic Vision:
Navigating through origins and assimilations, "Altar of Play: Between Two Shores" investigates the liminal spaces people inhabit. This installation serves as a sanctuary reflecting the transient and timeless state of human existence amidst a world of ever-changing borders and boundaries.
"Altar of Play: Between Two Shores" visualizes the liminal space occupied by individuals and communities perpetually suspended between origins and assimilations. It endeavors to create a sanctuary that echoes the sentiments of those adrift, those rooted, and those in-between, capturing the transient yet timeless state of human existence.
Installation Composition:
Dual Video Projection: At the heart, two women are projected. From the back, their black attire moves fluidly, initially giving the illusion of two Muslim women due to prevailing stereotypes. However, as visitors pass through the installation, they are revealed: one, a nun; the other, a Muslim woman. This visual twist challenges preconceptions and biases. The Muslim woman enjoys European fries, a fast-food emblem, while the nun savors couscous, a traditional North African slow-cooked dish.
The Arc Pathway: The arc, traditionally symbolizing unity and protection, serves dual purposes. It divides, suggesting the separations we impose or inherit — cultural, religious, or societal. Simultaneously, it bridges, urging viewers to move closer, understand, and reconcile perceived divisions. This journey through the arc is emblematic of the journey of understanding and integrating differing perspectives. Furthermore, Arches are prevalent in both Islamic and Christian architecture. Their presence serves as a nod to the historical intertwining of these two major world religions, cultures, and civilizations.
Duality of Waters: Symbolizing dualities of identity with waters from diverse shores. This duality resonates with the ebb and flow of the waters, symbolizing the push and pull we often feel in our quest for belonging in a world of perpetual flux.
Mirrored Flags: Two flags, constructed entirely from mirrors, stand proudly on either side of the water. These flags don't bear a country's emblem; instead, they reflect the surroundings and, more importantly, the viewers, prompting them to consider their place in the broader narrative of migration and identity.
Symbology:
The portrayal of the two women in the installation, through their food choices and attire, delves deep into the nuances of integration and exploration. Fast food and slow food, Muslim and Christian, East and West: these dichotomies symbolize the complexities of adapting to a new culture while retaining one's identity. This "Altar" isn't just a nod to religion, but a deeper meditation on identity and cross-cultural interplays.
In today's world, where narratives often emphasize the divide between the West and the Islamic world, this installation serves as a poignant reminder that such binaries are oversimplifications. By placing a nun and a Muslim woman side by side, it underscores the deeper spiritual, cultural, and human connections that bind rather than divide.
Their act of eating different dishes (European fast food vs. traditional slow food) highlights cultural contrasts. Yet, the very act of eating, a basic human necessity, underscores commonality. It's a powerful message: despite differences, there are inherent shared human experiences and emotions.
Conclusion:
"Altar of Play: Between Two Shores" transcends mere visual representation, offering an immersive journey through the nuances of identity and the universality of human experiences. Through this exploration of integration and identity juxtaposition, the installation invites viewers to journey deep into the shared human narrative, to a place where preconceptions are challenged, and unity is celebrated.
