Retracing a Disappearing Landscape

About

With visual artworks, installations, film, photography and presentations, it explores memory, personal history and collective narratives relating to modern day Libya, involving the participation of over 25 contemporary artists and professionals.

The first of its kind internationally, this six-week exhibition will explore people’s direct experience of and fascination with memory and personal history relating to modern day Libya. It will consider also the contested question of whether or not there is a collective national identity. With the mixed input of the artists -including film material provided by British Council Libya - this will be an eye-opener for special guests and the general British public.

The visual elements start with the archetypal memories associated with the traditional Libyan family album, showing images and scenes from personal archives that go as far back as the early 1900s. Whilst the second segment will feature especially commissioned installations that aim to stand as temporary repositories and witnesses to the country’s history, as well as constructing new narratives. They will be for both viewing and audience interaction.

Viewers will notice that the capital city of Tripoli is a recurring monumental backdrop found in the artworks and installations, wherein the city’s past, its signposts and architecture become intermingled with the artists’ stories and their attempt to capture and retrace the city’s disappearing and ever-changing landscape.

The raw history of the entirety of Libya will also come into view with reflections on its many uncomfortable episodes, including: the colonial period and existence of Italian concentration camps, the current migrant crisis, the shifting urban landscapes, the suffering under dictatorship for 42 years and the turbulent post-revolutionary period.

Looking at the known and unknown memories of Libya as a homeland through the work of its citizens – both at home and abroad - the country is revealed to be a powerful force in their lives, as it is still carried in their hearts, thoughts and collective psyche. By sharing their experiences, it is hoped to develop an intelligent and meaningful discourse on what Libya represents for its people and the hopes that exist for its future.

Running in parallel to the visual exhibition will be an extensive programme of discussions and presentations that will be held at the P21 Gallery. These will host Libyan and non-Libyan artists, academics, writers, poets and researchers who will delve deeper into some of the pertinent topics regarding Libya’s artistic, intellectual, cultural and historical landscapes.

‘Retracing A Disappearing Landscape’ is generously supported and funded by the Arab Fund for Arts and Culture (AFAC), DARF Publishers and private individuals. 

Artists:  Najat Abeed, Mohammed Abumies, Huda Abuzeid, Mohamed Al Kharrubi, Takwa Barnosa, Mohamed Ben Khalifa, Najwa Benshatwan, Alla Budabbus, Malak Elghwel, Elham Ferjani, Yousef Fetis, Hadia Gana, Ghazi Gheblawi, Reem Gibriel, Jihan Kikhia, Marcella Mameli-Badi, Guy Martin, Arwa Massaoudi, Khaled Mattawa, Tawfik Naas, Laila Sharif, Najla Shawket Fitouri, Barbara Spadaro and Adam Styp-Rekowski.