The exhibition presents works inspired by Su Tomesen’s residency period in Amman exploring concepts such as identity and belonging within the local context. Although three months is a short period of time, the artist had the chance to live in Amman, walk its streets, meet people and share their personal stories. After some time, and after quite a bit of travel, she realized how immediate Palestine was in the daily life of people in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Oman, outside of geographic Palestine itself. The recent war in Gaza contributed bitterly to her residence. She came face to face with what is known as ‘The Palestinian Cause.’ She became witness to the drama and exposed to the media in the Arab World, more importantly, she became aware of the way people deal with it all.

Her works approach the words HERE and THERE, and their political connotations within the context of this region. HERE might not be permanent, but is THERE a possibility? Or does it remain a far fetched utopia?

Su Tomesen lives and works in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Her residence at Makan is funded by the Dutch BKVB foundation. Her videos, photos and installations often deal with situations in public space and originate from the context of a given situation or location.