02:51
2023
Location : Medrar for Contemporary Art
Date – Time : 1-16 Dec
“The Message” emulates the precise editing style of scenes from the 1976 film with the same title by Syrian filmmaker Mustafa Al-Akad, illustrating the event that took place on September 24th, 622 AD—a momentous historical event: the completion of Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Madina. The artist’s new work introduces a compelling contrast from the original film, where Western children find themselves immersed in 3D-rendered settings mirroring Madina, as depicted in Al-Akad’s film, holding handmade welcoming signs against a chroma screen. These children reenact the actions of individuals from 1402 years ago, eagerly anticipating hope and happiness with the arrival of their savior. However, a stark disruption occurs as a drone enters the scene—an emblem of weaponized surveillance prevalent in modern times, targeting people within their own countries. Tension escalates as the drone advances, eventually coercing the children out of the frame.