Events

The Keeper, A Photo Story by Shuruq Harb

Image Making and Public Space in Ramallah

March 10, 2012
7:30 p.m.
 Union Docs 322 Union Ave Brooklyn, NY 11211

$9 Suggested Donation

Shuruq Harb launches The Keeper, an artist book that tells the story of her encounter with Mustafa, a young street vender in downtown Ramallah, who sells images culled from the Internet to the public. Over the last decade, Mustafa downloaded and sold the most popular political and entertainment images that have been in high demand by the Palestinian public.

Harb comes in contact with Mustafa while she is researching the different kinds of images that circulate in the public sphere in Ramallah city. Upon her encounter with him, she tries to salvage what is left over from his unsold collection. Flipping through the fragile low-resolution photographs, Harb is overwhelmed by the diversity of the collection. In an attempt to identify the sources and content of the images, she begins to refresh her memory by returning to the Internet.

At the occasion of the launch the artist presents a witty and thought-provoking lecture performance, which narrates the process that lead her to Mustafa. She draws conclusions about the dying photography studio print industry and laments the possible loss of historical memory amid growing attempts for stricter copyright laws that would change the way images and information circulate the Internet.

About the Publication:
Language: Arabic & English Editions
Size: 16x20 cm
Edition: 200
Format: Softcover, with a choice of one of four photos
Type of Printing: Digital
Number of pages: 48

The Keeper can be ordered online from Khatt Books

For all press inquiries please contact:
Harbdistribution@gmail.com



Bio:

Shuruq Harb  is a visual artist and writer based in Ramallah, Palestine. Her latest workThe Keeper is a limited edition artist book on the circulation and distribution of images within the Ramallah city landscape. Her work has been exhibited locally and internationally, A Book of Signatures,a mixed media installation collected 250 signatures from different individuals named Mohammad in Palestine and was exhibited at Ikon Galley, 2010, and Istanbul Biennial 2011, All The Names, a public installation around Ramallah’s street names was part of ‘Wein ala Ramallah’ Festival, 2011. She was a contributing editor to A Prior Magazine’s latest issue Picasso in Palestine, and she the co founder co-founder of ArtTerritories an online publishing platform.


Project support for The Keeper generously provided by AFAC