Research: Influences on the Development of Visual Arts in Jordan
Researcher: Samah Hijawi (JO) 18 March – 18 June
Hijawi's experimental research investigates the development of Visual Arts in Jordan, using art itself as a means to examine the various characteristics of and influences on this development.
Hijawi: “I am interested in investigating the development of Visual Arts in Jordan. This history is rather short and is often linked to the birth of the state of Jordan in the 1940's. In the past fifteen years, several Arab and English articles have been published that provide a classical interpretation of the stages of development in the visual arts. I've been interested in this subject for approximately four years now, and it was the subject of my master thesis. (...) I've also been reflecting on the relationship between my theoretical and practical work as an artist, and how I could find an area where these two elements can come together.”
Hijawi will develop her work on the basis of previously collected materials such as publications, articles and interviews. These will provide the starting point. During her stay in Hoorn, Hijawi will present her ideas in the form of a lecture and presentation in Hoorn, but perhaps also in other locations. In addition, Hijawi's research may lead to other outcomes, such as new work or articles.
An important reason for this research to take place in Hotel MariaKapel, is the greater accessibility of research material in well-equipped libraries: Jordanian libraries lack most of the relevant books and articles. Also, the project will allow her to concentrate on her work for a longer period of time in a different setting, at some distance from her usual environment. Furthermore, HMK will make use of its networks to introduce Hijawi to organizations and individuals who may be of help for the continuation of her work.