Weed Control
Exhibition on Palestinian flora and colonialism. 1 September - 1 December 2020, A.M. Qattan Foundation, Ramallah, with the participation of 33 artists. Curator: Yazid Anani
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Weight of a grain of mustard. 2020
Installation, 150 x 50 cm
Fibreglass and lighting
Wild and medicinal herbs were always a major aspect of Palestinian life. Mustard plants are part of the local vegetation and mainly used in traditional medicine prescribed regionally and worldwide.
Mustard plants are mentioned in many religious, folk and mythical texts, carrying diverse meaning. Its seed is very small and light— around 1–2 mm—but does not indicate the substantial benefits of the plant once it grows. Therefore, this seed symbolises the relatively small sizes, but large benefits, behind many religious and folk tales.
Due to mustard’s constant presence in religious stories and folklore, it enhances Palestinian life. Under colonial British occupation, these seeds and herbs were considered poisonous and to be disposed of. This practice sought to obliterate the local identity and the surrounding environment. This was done in addition to replacing the local wildlife, herbs and vegetation with other types of plants.
This artwork is a lighted sign with the phrase Weight of a grain of mustard. This piece serves to highlight the importance and effectiveness of the seeds: in spite of human efforts to destroy it, it is always able to grow again.
© Photo, text: Artist & A. M. Qattan Foundation
Exhibition on Palestinian flora and colonialism. 1 September - 1 December 2020, A.M. Qattan Foundation, Ramallah, with the participation of 33 artists. Curator: Yazid Anani