The Refrain

SD video / sound /double screen, 2008

The Refrain was filmed at St John’s Eye Hospital in East Jerusalem, founded by the British in 1882. There is a rich metaphorical interplay between the hospital’s mission to help people regain their sight and its geographical location in Sheikh Jarrah, East Jerusalem, which has seen several other incarnations throughout history.
This reflects a common paradox in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem: the valuable work carried out by St John’s Hospital is rooted in Britain’s past imperialism, which began during the Crusades and continued under the British Mandate in Palestine from 1917 to 1948. As such, the hospital symbolizes the intertwined themes of vision and territory.
In The Refrain the sounds of Jerusalem flow from one screen to another, echoing through the haunting and minimal score composed by sound artist Maia Urstad

Solo exhibitions: USF Centre, Bergen (2009) and Danielle Arnaud Contemporary Art, London (2008).

Genorously supported by: St John Eye Hospital, East Jerusalem, Al Quattan Foundation, Arts Council England and Bergen National Academy of the Arts.
Special thanks to Mia Urstad for her resonant sound design.

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