Palestinian-British artist Mona Hatoum speaks of dispossession and dislocation through her art. She tells Oliver Giles of the driving forces behind her 35-year career and where she thinks the world is headed
In a cavernous Tate Modern gallery in 2016, visitors could watch the world burn. Not literally, but nearly. In the corner of the room was an enormous glowing globe more than two metres tall. The continents were outlined in flickering red neon that, if you stood close enough, audibly buzzed. Inside the darkened room, it looked like the planet was on fire.
For Mona Hatoum, the artist behind this unsettling sculpture, that has sometimes felt like the case. Hatoum was born in Beirut in the 1950s to Palestinian parents who had fled their homeland. Like many Palestinians, neither Hatoum nor her parents were ever granted Lebanese identity cards. Then, at the age of 23, Hatoum was displaced once again. While she was on a short visit to London in 1975, civil war broke out in Lebanon, preventing her return. Her visit stretched to one year, then two, then became indefinite. To this day, Hatoum remains based in London.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, these early experiences of exile have influenced much of Hatoum’s career, which began with her staging politically charged performances before her focus shifted to creating unsettling sculptures and installations, like the blazing globe. “Of course, my background comes into my work because it’s part of my life,” Hatoum explains on a bright summer afternoon in her London studio. “But it comes about in subtle ways, so anybody who may have experienced displacement, disorientation, or exile can relate to the work on their own terms. My work is not meant to illustrate the Palestinian experience; it’s about the human condition of exile.”
This story is from the September 2018 edition of Philippine Tatler.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2018 edition of Philippine Tatler.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE BIRTH OF A MOVEMENT
More women are taking back their birthing experience and their power-by challenging the institutionalised norms surrounding childbirth, honouring the healing process and leaning on the magic of sisterhood
YOUR EXCEL LENCY
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson gives a tour of her residence, personal life and why she loves her assignment in the Philippines
A GREAT HONOUR
For the first time, the Hispanic Society Museum and Library recognised the Philippines by awarding the Zobel de Ayala family the prestigious Sorolla Medal at its annual gala in New York
In the Long Run
Longchamp chairman and CEO Jean Cassegrain talks about championing sustainability, the value of women in the workforce, its plans for the Asian market By Maritess Garcia Reyes
LEADING LADIES
Tatler speaks to four beautiful, dynamic ladies who are more than just Senators' wives. Besides being a wife and a mother, they have their own careers and advocacies. Find out in this Tatler exclusive how they are forging their paths as well as how they are playing their part for the country
Driving Diversity
Steering towards an inclusive future, Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz merges diversity with digital innovation
Empowering Spaces
Audrey Go champions a new era in the construction and home furnishing industry, transforming spaces into symbols of empowerment
Global Gem
Kenneth Cobonpue continually impresses through groundbreaking work and a sincere passion to nurture tomorrow's talent
A Cut Above
During a sitdown with Tatler, Asian Institute of Management's president and dean, Jikyeong Kang, opens up about her academic and professional journey and what exactly inspires her today
Chasing Glory
The E Zobel Foundation, Inc (EZF) successfully held the 19th Enrique Zobel Memorial Polo Cup this year to honour the sport and the founder himself, Enrique Zobel.