Salons - Collections of Memory and Loss
Nine art installations examining identity-shaping objects in the salons of Palestinian homes. 28 May - 31 Aug. 2022, A.M. Qattan Foundation, Ramallah.
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The Patriarch
Installation
With much pomp, a portrait of an empty ceremonial chair, in royal red velvet, is presented in a framed canvas encased in resistant glass – an untouchable and sacred image.
The chair represents an icon of patriarchal authority present in every Palestinian salon. We feel afraid of it, but when we see it here, we become overwhelmed with a desire to kidnap it, either to put it in a better place, or to hide it.
This project challenges the value and status given to patriarchy and its institutionalization and perpetuation in society. Its "museumification" is achieved on different levels, by using a canvas, frame, and enclosed display case to make it appear unattainable, but also to give a sense of being frozen in time and place.
Amer Abu Matar is a Palestinian designer and art director. He obtained his BA and master’s degrees in space, design and scenography. He is interested in examining the resilience and demographics found in slums while also increasing the ability of this environment to adapt to and resist against continuous transformations under capitalism.
© Photos, text: Artist & A. M. Qattan Foundation
Nine art installations examining identity-shaping objects in the salons of Palestinian homes. 28 May - 31 Aug. 2022, A.M. Qattan Foundation, Ramallah.