Jumana Manna's MoMA PS1 Exhibition Explores Ecology, Law, and Palestinian Foraging
Jumana Manna's exhibition 'Break, Take, Erase, Tally' at MoMA PS1 in New York juxtaposes harmonious land practices with modern state structures. The centerpiece film 'Foragers' (2022) documents Palestinian foragers defying Israeli bans on picking za'atar and 'akkoub, highlighting conservation as cultural suppression. Manna's earlier film 'Wild Relatives' (2018) follows ICARDA's seed bank relocation from Aleppo to Lebanon via Svalbard, questioning preservation devoid of cultural context. Her sculptures are less successful, lacking the nuance of her films. The exhibition runs through April 17.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Break, Take, Erase, Tally' at MoMA PS1, New York, through April 17
- Jumana Manna is the artist
- Film 'Foragers' (2022) blends documentary and scripted scenes
- Focuses on Palestinian foragers vs. Israel Nature and Parks Authority over za'atar and 'akkub
- Israeli government bans foraging under pretext of protection, but development is greater threat
- Foraging carries cultural significance only for Palestinians; Israelis buy za'atar from farmers
- Film 'Wild Relatives' (2018) follows ICARDA seed bank from Aleppo to Svalbard to Bekaa Valley
- Manna's sculptures are described as less successful than her films
Entities
Artists
- Jumana Manna
Institutions
- MoMA PS1
- Israel Nature and Parks Authority
- ICARDA (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas)
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Aleppo
- Syria
- Svalbard
- Norway
- Bekaa Valley
- Lebanon