The youth takeover

Re-Assigning Values

Collective Theme: Value Systems: Ranging from the numerical value of algorithms and finance all the way to the values of personal and collective identity, the 2020 Assembly Takeover surveys how we re-interpret values across disciplines and resignify the everchanging complexities of our environment(s).

curatorial statement: Re-assigning Traditions

Commissioned artists:Tala Khalil,Ahmad Geaissa & Boula Rami


Traditions are usually defined as the transmission of customs and beliefs from generation to generation. They are usually considered a vital element in the bases of every society, The word traditions comes from the latin word ‘tradere’, which literally means to transmit or hand over. The word traditions in Arabic; Taqaleed ( تقاليد ) originates from the word; Qalada ( َقَلَّد ) َwhich means to follow with what has been said or done without contemplation or evidence; with emulation and imitation.

Each individual looks at traditions depending on; what their values, beliefs, context, origins, and age is. However, traditions are most of the time carried out blindly. The idea of following without thinking connotes negatively in the modern world. Hence the words; traditions and modernity are usually found on the opposite ends of an argument. One usually represents togetherness and the other individualism. The word modernity is defined as the state of being current, and up to date; however it can also be looked at by traditionalists as individuality, success, competition, jealousy, revenge and above all self - centredness.

What happens when both the idea of togetherness and individualism are combined?

What happens if we re-assign those traditions in the context that we live in while removing the negative connotations attached to both of them?

This is an invitation for artists to explore the notion of re-assigning traditions to work within the modern social constructs, and to implement the idea of adapting and reconstructing traditions in this day and time.

Re-folk

byTala Khalil
(Film, audio & installation)

Palestinian folkloric music plays a big role in Palestinian weddings; it is old, meaningful,
contextual, and never modern.
This project aims to experiment with the idea of modernity in the folkloric sound and scene in Palestine.

The song produced is a set of lyrics from Palestinian songs, that have been jumbled up and sung by a couple of people in any way they felt like, The folkloric lyrics usually symbolise day-to day rituals in Palestine. The film showcases two different Palestinian generations. And the installation is a modern form of the folkloric scene in Palestine.

All three things experiment with the continuous hold that us as Palestinians continue to have on Palestine, even if modernity comes in the way, the foundation of the tradition still remains.

Special thanks to: Rabiha Khalil, Furat Abdeljaber, Zeyneb, Heba Khalil, Layal Algain, Toulin Khalil

Life Square     

by Ahmad Geaissa and Boula Rami
(Animation)

Life Square is an audio and visual depiction of the many traditions an Egyptian individual goes through his/her life. It is an animation that portrays the many traditions that are tied to a person’s age and coming of age, from the moment they are born till the moment they die and even after that. This project is a visual transformation through the critical eyes of two Egyptian designers who only view these traditions from outside.

Commissioned by Tala Khalil