Algerian Artists Write the Video Body
Developing the ethical issues that are inherent to the creation of spaces and to attracting audiences for video art’s integration in Algeria.
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Sexuality as a taboo is clearly dissipated thanks to Zoulikha Bouabdellah’s video slide show, Al-Attlal (2009, 2 min), which depicts illustrations from the Kama Sutra. Bodies entwine together under the calligraphic Arabic word for love (hūb) that appears over female as well as male bodies in geometric positions. This carnal moment is accompanied by a monotonous chant formed by velvety voices that murmur along with Middle Eastern music that was recomposed and adapted for the slide show segment. Bouabdellah proceeds using diversion, superimposing an aggrieved love song over erotic images; she modifies the singer’s lamentations, which become ambiguous sighs, verses about an amorous relationship that go through excitement, deception, love and death, becoming confused with the effigy of colorful decoration. These video images do not fail to refer to the poetic age of Arab erotology from the 8th century, when the sulfurous poems of Abu Nuwas exalted the ears of his amazed audiences.
© Still: Zoulikha Bouabdellah
Developing the ethical issues that are inherent to the creation of spaces and to attracting audiences for video art’s integration in Algeria.