‘’Waves are impermanent boundaries, freedom is a framed landscape’’…
The title suggests a thought-provoking exploration of the concept of freedom in a specific spatial context. The synopsis outlines the central theme of the installation, which challenges the notion that freedom can be confined or defined by a particular space.
It explores how attempting to define a space can lead to the creation of boundaries, and in doing so, it frames the concept of freedom itself.
The installation employs the imagery of waves breaking on a shore, projected onto a white wall. The presence of objects on the white wall, which represent permanence, serves as a juxtaposition to the impermanence of the waves. This contrast highlights a contradiction and challenge to the idea of freedom, as it raises questions about how we define the relationship between space and freedom.
The method described here indicates that the installation uses visual and symbolic elements to provoke thought and discussion about the concept of freedom and its connection to spatial boundaries. It creates a dynamic and engaging experience for viewers, encouraging them to reflect on the interplay between freedom, permanence, and impermanence in the context of defined spaces.
The Video installation was on show at the Arab film festival in Rotterdam as well on exhibitions in Venice, Buenos Aires, New York video art festival and Pulchri studio gallery in The Hague.
Debate on the topic of: Freedom in public space
A spinoff program at the Arab Film Festival, Rotterdam 2016
Panel Members
Jielis van Baalen, Journalist, Writer and Lecturer
Anat Ratzabi, Multidisciplinary artist, Maker of Video installation at the Arab Film Festival
Samer Abdelnour, filmmaker
Mahmoud Sabbagh, filmmaker from Saudi Arabia: opening film Barakah meets Barakah
To get all faces the same way all participants of the debate are being asked:
– What is public space to you?
Program:
– Lecture on freedom in public space. In the West and Middle East there are rules within this. What issues are different in this and how is this resolved by individuals/society? We would love a comparison in this. How different are we really (not)?
– Participants in the debate are asked to respond to each other, Followed by Q&A
– What examples are there of freedom in public space?
– How do people claim their personal freedom? What differences can be found within cultures?
– What frameworks are needed to avoid taking someone else’s space. Lawlessness doesn’t seem to work either. Without laws/restrictions, do you have more freedom?
– While you never know how the debate will go, our goal is for people to learn to know each other’s cultures better and therefore learn to look at their own / others’ opinions / judgments in a more nuanced way.
Video installation by Anat Ratzabi © (Teaser) Showcasing full video on request)