Palestinian Photography Cycle at Institut du Monde Arabe
The Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA), founded in 2016, is home to a collection that will eventually become part of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Palestine. This collection includes around 400 pieces donated by various artists and was set in motion by Elias Sanbar, a writer and former Palestinian UNESCO ambassador, with help from artist Ernest Pignon-Ernest. In 2023, IMA launched a series of three exhibitions highlighting modern and contemporary Palestinian artists alongside their Arab and international counterparts. Running from June to November, the program features concerts, workshops, lectures, films, and literary events. One exhibition juxtaposes 19th-century orientalist Photochrom images with works by 14 contemporary Palestinian photographers, such as Mohamed Abusal and Tanya Habjouqa, who delve into public life and spaces in Palestine.
Key facts
- IMA has housed the collection of the future National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Palestine since 2016.
- The solidarity collection comprises around 400 works donated by artists.
- The collection was initiated by Elias Sanbar and coordinated by Ernest Pignon-Ernest.
- In 2023, IMA presents a cycle of three exhibitions on Palestinian artists from June to November.
- The exhibition contrasts 19th-century orientalist Photochrom views with contemporary Palestinian photography.
- The Photochrom process was patented in 1889 by Orelle Füssli and marketed by Photoglob Zurich.
- 14 contemporary Palestinian photographers are featured: Mohamed Abusal, Shady Alassar, Rehaf Al-Batniji, Taysir Batniji, Raed Bawayah, Tanya Habjouqa, Rula Halawani, Maen Hammad, Hazem Harb, Safaa Khatib, Eman Mohammed, Amer Nasser, Raeda Saadeh, Steve Sabella.
- The contemporary works use black humour and performance to address oppression and reclaim public space.
Entities
Artists
- Elias Sanbar
- Ernest Pignon-Ernest
- Orelle Füssli
- Mohamed Abusal
- Shady Alassar
- Rehaf Al-Batniji
- Taysir Batniji
- Raed Bawayah
- Tanya Habjouqa
- Rula Halawani
- Maen Hammad
- Hazem Harb
- Safaa Khatib
- Eman Mohammed
- Amer Nasser
- Raeda Saadeh
- Steve Sabella
Institutions
- Institut du Monde Arabe
- National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Palestine
- UNESCO
- Photoglob Zurich
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Palestine
- Zurich
- Switzerland