The third exhibition in the “Mozaik Euro-Mediterranean Art Hub” series opens on August 23, 2024, at the historic Károlyi Palace in Fehérvárcsurgó, presenting the remarkable outcomes of a month-long filmed art residency nestled in the heart of nature.
This captivating exhibition showcases the artworks of two remarkable creative talents: Syrian/German conceptual artist Iman Hasbani and Palestinian visual artist Ola Zaitoun. Hosted by the Joseph Károlyi Foundation, the exhibition centers on the theme “Identities: A Visual Dialogue,” exploring the complex facets of identity through the artists’ works. It invites viewers to reflect on the interwoven nature of personal and collective narratives within the Mediterranean region.
Hosted in the tranquil village of Csókakő in Western Hungary by the International Art Colony, an initiative of the Interkulti Association for the Promotion of Intercultural Dialogue, the serene setting played a key role in fostering the artists’ creativity and expression. The exhibition’s mission is to spotlight contemporary art from the Mediterranean, emphasising art’s capacity to bridge cultures, encourage dialogue, and enhance intercultural understanding. By showcasing some of the finest contemporary works from the region, the exhibition aims to forge meaningful connections between diverse cultures.
The project is part of the ALFinMotion initiative by the Anna Lindh Foundation, co funded by the European Union.
Ola Zaitoun, born in 1987 in Kufor Kanna, Israel, is a talented Palestinian artist whose work profoundly explores themes of identity, conflict, and the preservation of Palestinian cultural heritage. With a diverse academic background that includes a B.A. in Psychology and Multidisciplinary Studies, an M.A. in Fine Arts from Haifa University, and specialized training in art conservation, Zaitoun’s artistic practice draws deeply on both personal and collective experiences. As a Palestinian woman born in Israel, Zaitoun navigates a complex political landscape, where issues of identity and belonging are central to her artistic expression.
Initially serving as a mentor and art teacher, Zaitoun eventually shifted her focus to full-time artistic creation. Her exhibitions, such as “Braces” at the Janco Dada Museum and “Salons” at the Qattan Foundation, demonstrate her deep engagement with her themes of memory and healing. Her work has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the YAYA 2018 third award and the prestigious Mifaal Hapaies award, establishing her as a significant voice in contemporary art.
During her creative residency in Hungary, against the backdrop of ongoing violent conflict in her homeland, Zaitoun found herself deeply moved by the tranquility of the rural village setting. This peaceful environment provided her with the space to explore unfamiliar landscapes and reflect her new reality in her art.
“As an artist, I find solace in the serene embrace of nature, which helps me navigate the somber atmosphere of fear and anxiety inflicted by the war,” she says, capturing the essence of her artistic journey during this pivotal period.
Iman Al Hasabani, born in 1977 in Sweida, Syria, is a distinguished conceptual artist whose work spans painting, video, installation, photomontage, and performance.
A graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts in Damascus, she transitioned from teaching theatrical scenography to exploring deeply personal and political themes in her art. Her work, often characterized by its enigmatic and refined nature, addresses issues of memory, disappearance, and the female experience.
Iman’s artistic journey took her from Syria to Lebanon, where she pursued a master’s degree in psychosocial support through art, and eventually to Berlin, where she continues to live and work. Her international exhibitions and residencies across the Middle East and Europe have garnered her significant recognition, including prestigious awards like the first prize at the 9th International Miniature Art Biennial in Quebec. Iman’s art, which frequently incorporates elements of her childhood memories and the figure of her seamstress mother, invites viewers into a haunting exploration of identity and trauma.
Her notable works include the video piece Exit (2009), which symbolically portrays the struggles of a woman trapped in lace, and the interactive performance Walk (2013), where she navigates a strobe-lit garden, leaving behind a trail of white fabric. These and other works have been exhibited in renowned venues such as the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, the Atassi Foundation in Dubai, and the National Museum of Damascus.
Iman Al Hasabani continues to make a significant impact on the global art scene, drawing on her personal experiences and the complex sociopolitical landscape she inhabits.
In the current exhibition, Iman showcases the inspiration she drew from the location, where the landscape completely captivated her. As Vincent van Gogh said, “If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” Iman’s works reflect this deep connection, created by the harmony between nature and art.
Exhibition Opening: Friday 23.8.2024 at 17:00
The gallery is open from 10:00-18:00-at the Visitors Center at Károlyi Castle. The exhibition will close on 26.8.2024 at 16:00.
Address: 8052 Fehérvárcsurgó , Petőfi u.2, Hungary.