InBetween

In-Between is an installation born from my personal experiences as a woman growing up in Kurdistan, a region marked by ongoing conflict and resilience. My work focuses on amplifying the voices of women who confront violence, endure societal suppression, and share their stories of resistance and emancipation. This installation is a culmination of these themes, reflecting the profound strength of women in the face of adversity.

 

Presented as part of the prestigious Future Generation Art Prize at the Pinchuk Art Centre in Kyiv, In-Between explores the roles of women in resistance and reconstruction, particularly in the aftermath of war. The installation features metal boundary sheets salvaged from war-torn regions of Ukraine. These sheets, scarred by conflict yet enduring, symbolize resilience and the collective will to rebuild. Women are invited to leave their marks—messages, sketches, or personal contributions—on these sheets, emphasizing the shared effort and solidarity required for renewal and healing.

 

A defining element of In-Between is the sound of Kurdish wailing, a traditional and deeply emotional form of expression. This haunting melody, performed by Kurdish women during times of war and loss, serves as a therapeutic act of remembrance and resilience. Played through embedded speakers, the wailing underscores the bravery of women using their voices to heal. Tragically, this cultural practice has been silenced in Kurdistan due to political occupation and oppressive ideologies, with its transmission halted for over two generations.

 

The work critiques entrenched societal norms that assign strength and industrial materials to men while relegating softness and domesticity to women. By using heavy, industrial elements typically associated with masculinity, In-Between challenges these gendered perceptions and highlights the overlooked strength of women. At its core, the installation fosters dialogue between Ukrainian and Kurdish women, connecting their shared experiences of resilience, survival, and reconstruction.

 

This work is a deeply personal yet universal exploration of the power of women to resist, rebuild, and heal in the face of unthinkable challenges. Being recognized as a special prize winner for the Future Generation Art Prize is a humbling honor, affirming the importance of this dialogue and the stories it seeks to tell.