Ramallah - A.M. Qattan Foundation | 13/04/2023
The Qattan Foundation announces its upcoming exhibition, "Instant Modernism: On the Architectural Fabrication of Israel," set to be launched on May 13, 2023, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba. This exhibition aims to shed light on the role of architecture and urban planning, combined with law and military force, in the establishment of the occupying State, and its image.
The exhibition delves into the intertwined factors that contributed to the creation of a State on the ruins of Palestinian towns and villages. It highlights the role of the modernist school of architecture in providing an intellectual and aesthetic foundation for the establishment of a State entirely disconnected from cultural heritage and natural landscape on which it was erected. Moreover, it emphasizes how the use of architectural modernity as a global language, at that time, enabled the swift implementation of the colonial project, consolidating the colonial presence on Palestinian land.
The exhibition also explores into the utilization of modernist theory and practice by the Zionist project to accommodate the urgent need for housing new immigrants and quickly erecting settlements. It also provides insight into the complex interplay between the biblical narrative, colonialism, and political and theoretical trends of the early 20th century, which facilitated the establishment of a modern State celebrated for its European-like qualities.
Using visual archival material, 45 Palestinian artists, academics, writers, and directors, showcase their interpretation and reflection on this interplay. They offer narratives, representations, and perspectives formulated by those whose presence, culture, and history were obliterated from the onset of the instant creation.
The Qattan Foundation is committed to supporting freedom and justice and is dedicated to promoting cultural dialogue, diversity, and creativity. This exhibition is an integral part of the Foundation's objectives and works towards creating a vibrant cultural environment that stimulates free Palestinian knowledge production.
This exhibition is part of a foundation's efforts to create a thriving cultural, artistic, and educational community in Palestine that values open dialogue, science, art, and literature. The foundation aims to establish a knowledge society that actively produces and enriches critical thinking and creativity, both locally and globally.
Artists: Abaher El-Sakka, Abderahman Shabaneh, Ahed Izhiman, Ahmed Alaqra, Akram Halabi, Alaa Abu Asad, Alaa Badarn, Alexandra Sophia Handal, Alia Rayyan, Amani Harhash, Amjad Ghannam, Aref Masalha, Arwa Qalalwa, Bashar Al Hroub, Bilal Shalash, Elias khuri, Essa Grayeb, Faris Shomali, Firas Shehadeh, Hanna Qubty, Hanan Toukan, Jumanah Bawazir, Kamal Al Jafari, Khaled Albasheer, Lubna Al-Araj, Mahmoud M Alshaer, Manal Mahamid, Mirna Bamieh, Monther Jawabreh, Nadi AbuSaada, Nahed Habiballah, Nardeen Srouji, Nasser Golzari, Oraib Toukan, Pelin Tan, Reema Nobani, Ronen Zien, Ruba Farawneh, Salim Abu Jabal, Sary Zananiri, Shada Safadi, Walid AlWawi, Yara Hawari, Yara Sharif, yasser khaldi