Ghurba

Two strangers have landed in this country several years apart from each other. They have seen parts of the world which have left a mark on their imaginaries. They met for the first time for this collaborative exhibition and wanted to know more about each other. And that’s when they realized that they had to go back to the roots, to their mother tongue. Masks off. Some identities are glorified, some are ignored, some hated. Some are highlighted, parading in the light of social validation, others are hiding in the shadows, conflicted or not even realizing their own existence. They are isolated, banned from the norm and in this way alienated, estranged, labeled, stigmatized…: GHURBA. For a month, Mirra and Fareed collaborated while only speaking their own mother language to each other: in Arabic and in Buryat. In this exhibition you will see the result of this process, where the artists invite you to come closer. Come closer to collections of old memories and new ones they’ve created together. Discover how two people can build a wholesome relationship, a new language and an interpersonal sub-culture by communicating through art. This is an attempt to reach a radical level of community-building, not only through words but through action. We look at community through the prism of identity, that we unravel in three interconnected aspects: physical, psychological and social. A deep dive to discover each other's story, find common ground, celebrate the difference and to welcome the incomprehensible. “They’re not evil birds. They’re just trying to make their way and do the best they can.” Can we give crows a break? Don’t you think crows are victims of mistaken identity and superstition? Do they symbolize death or are they simply birds?... Let’s give it a thought and cut them some slack.