LB°20 — Artists
ARKIV
Marwa Arsanios (b. in Washington DC, 1978) is an artist based in Berlin, Beirut and Vienna.
Who is Afraid of Ideology? was filmed in Rojava (also known as the Democratic Federation of Northern Syria) in 2017. The work listens as members of the Kurdish resistance movement discuss how practical work relates to ideological doctrine – what is the best way to use an axe? When is it okay to cut down a tree in order to survive? A static camera depicts a mountainous landscape in late winter. Meltwater runs into streams as the snow begins to give way. Environmental consciousness within the movement developed in parallel to changes in living conditions during the war. Just as nature has its own defences, so vulnerable groups must also protect themselves. The scenes that play out are not in sync with the accompanying audio. Instead of dripping, rippling water, we hear members of the Kurdish women’s movement in Rojava talk about their relationship with nature. When the women are thereafter shown on screen, it is silent. This editing allows the viewer to listen to an individual speaking for a collective movement, and also keeps those who represent radical viewpoints anonymous.
Marwa Arsanios (b. in Washington DC, 1978) is an artist based in Berlin, Beirut and Vienna.
Who is Afraid of Ideology?, 2017, Marwa Arsanios. Luleåbiennalen 2018.
Work
Who is Afraid of Ideology?, 2017
Location
Luleå konsthall
17.11.2018–17.2.2018
