Here and Elsewhere

Book excerpt: This catalogue, accompanying the New Museum exhibition Here and Elsewhere, presents the work of over 45 artists who share roots in the Arab world and a critical sensibility with regard to images and image-making. The title of the exhibition is borrowed from a 1976 film-essay by Jean-Luc Godard, Jean-Pierre Gorin and Anne-Marie Miéville. Their film, Ici et ailleurs, was conceived as a pro-Palestinian documentary, but evolved into a complex reflection on the ethics of representation. Taking inspiration from this film--which has had a strong impact on Arab artists--Here and Elsewhere examines the role of the artist in the face of historical events. An anthology of critical texts edited by Bidoun magazine highlights the critical discussions that have animated contemporary art in the Arab world. Among the artists included are Fouad Elkoury, Hrair Sarkissian, Hassan Sharif, Anna Boghiguian, Simone Fattal, Ziad Antar and Etel Adnan.