Joe Namy's 'Studies for a Library' at Brief Histories

Joe Namy's exhibition 'Studies for a Library' at Brief Histories in New York City investigates storytelling and memorialization through the tragic murder of his cousin Khalid Jabara. Jabara was killed in 2016 by a neighbor who had previously stalked and attacked his family, despite pleas to police. The show centers on a video documenting the Khalid Jabara 'Tikkun Olam' Memorial Library at B'nai Emunah Preschool in Tulsa, narrated by Jabara's sister Victoria and director Shelli Wright. The library, established a year after the murder, contains children's books promoting social justice. The exhibition also features photographs of florals, a bookcase of readable books, a clay megaphone facing the street, and a soundtrack by harpist Ahya Simone. A vocal composition by Alya Al-Sultani plays hourly, alternating between haunting and enraged tones. Namy's work often explores sound and translation, as seen in previous pieces like 'Automobile' (2012–ongoing) and 'Purple, Bodies in Translation' (2017). The exhibition runs until October 28.