The Common Guild and Edinburgh Art Festival Present Lawrence Abu Hamdan's 'Zifzafa' in UK Premiere
The UK premiere of 'Zifzafa' by Lawrence Abu Hamdan is set to take place, organized by The Common Guild in collaboration with the Edinburgh Art Festival, marking their second joint effort. An artist and sound investigator, Abu Hamdan established Earshot to incorporate acoustic evidence into political discussions. His innovative approach, known as 'forensic listening,' uncovers overlooked narratives. 'Zifzafa' (2025) comprises a multichannel audiovisual installation, a live performance, and a video game that delves into themes of noise pollution and 'green colonialism' in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (Jawlan) in Syria. The title, which signifies a strong wind in Arabic poetry, represents disruptive forces. The installation features field recordings from the area, emphasizing the blend of art, politics, and environmental advocacy for UK audiences.
Key facts
- The Common Guild presents its second project with Lawrence Abu Hamdan.
- 'Zifzafa' is exhibited for the first time in the UK.
- The project is a collaboration with Edinburgh Art Festival.
- Abu Hamdan is an artist, sound investigator, and founder of Earshot.
- His practice uses 'forensic listening' to explore the political force of sonic experience.
- 'Zifzafa' (2025) includes a multichannel audiovisual installation, a performance, and a video game.
- The work demonstrates effects of noise pollution and green colonialism in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights (Jawlan), south-western Syria.
- The title is an archaic Arabic word describing a wind that shakes everything in its path.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- The Common Guild
- Edinburgh Art Festival
- Earshot
Locations
- UK
- Golan Heights
- Jawlan
- Syria
- Israel