Veil
1997, slide projection, 10 minutes
The relationship between the viewer/photographer and the veiled
woman is one which informs an ongoing body of work by Al-Ani exploring
the Western fascination with the image of the veil. 'Veil' is a
large slide projection work in which the monumental faces of five
women are alternately revealed then concealed by the veil. The gaze
of the women is direct, confrontational even. The work challenges
the myth of the subjugated, sexualised 'oriental' woman as object
and aims to unnerve the viewer as they face an unyielding glare.
The
King's Chamber
1998, video, 3 minutes
'The King's Chamber' is another of Al-Ani's works which addresses
the disruption in the voyeuristic relationship between the viewer
and subject. The piece hints at the related tropes in Western painting
of the bathing woman and the Orientalist cliché of the odalisque
or harem member. We watch, unseen, as a woman relaxes while she
bathes. Despite exciting the possibility of pleasure, very little
happens. She reads a magazine, sips wine and stares blankly into
space.
Reel
2001, video, 1 minute
By borrowing existing structures of games and play in her
work, Al-Ani investigates the unfolding relationships between the
participants. In 'Reel', Al-Ani focuses the camera on five pairs
of feet performing, with varying degrees of confidence, a simple
Irish dance. One pair of feet lead, the others follow. The performers
become incidental, as their relationship of co-operation and dependency,
both on the other participants, and on a knowledge of the steps,
becomes apparent.
Cradle 2001,
video, 1.5 minutes
'Cradle' is a video work which focuses on the hands of two pairs
of players engaged in the simple game of Cat's Cradle. The work
demonstrates that for a game to be successful, it is vital that
all the participants know 'the rules'. Al-Ani's interest in staging
and performance, hierarchy and power is clear. The experienced players
enjoy a fluid and elegant exchange but as soon as one player lacks
the necessary skills, progress becomes impossible.
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