Family Ties 2004, Duhok
Black yaren, photos & fishing line.
Life in the Middle East is based on extraordinarily powerful family ties that find expression in stringent roles that govern every aspect of social life, where the interests of community and its honour always come before those of the individual.
These traditions are deeply rooted in the culture that replaces the "I" of the individual with the "Us" of the group. The group identity on the one hand translates into a source of strength and comfort for the person receiving the support of an extended family circle. There are also times, however, when the collective ethos can restrict individual freedoms and aspirations, especially during times of social change. My work, Family Ties, is poised at precisely such a point of juncture.
Walid Siti
Family Ties 2004, Duhok
Family Ties 2009' installation 2
XVA Gallery, Dubai