In a literal context, "blind reading" refers to the practice of reading without being able to physically see the text as when, for example, a blind person reads a book via Braille or listens to an audiobook. The “Blind Reading” installation investigates the practice of interpreting sacred texts or religious writings without critical or in-depth analysis. In other words, uncritically accepting what is written without considering the historical, cultural context or symbolic meaning.
The artist creates a beeswax cast of her index finger which indicates precise words contained in the "Religious, Literary and Moral Booklets" printed between 1857 and 1860, inviting the observer to reflect on the deeper meaning of the written word . Hamraz Darugar chooses to use editions from almost 200 years ago to highlight the contrast and distance from the frenetic evolution of the human being and draw attention to the fact that blind reading can be used to support rigid religious dogmas and lead to intolerance religious or extremist. The artist also uses a digital voice tool to underline indicated words, performing a blind mechanical reading of the Scriptures and demonstrating how people can become susceptible to manipulation by religious and political leaders who interpret the Scriptures for their own benefit.
