Video production in Sada [regroup]

Sada, meaning “echo” in Arabic, was conceived as Sada, an initaive to support Baghdad-based artists by Rijin Sahakian. For documenta fifteen, Sahakian invited former participants of Sada to produce video work reflecting on their practice and where they are today. The participating artists are Sajjad Abbas, Bassim Al Shaker, Layth Kareem, Ali Eyal, Raed Mutar, Sarah Munaf, and Sahakian herself. The videos have been compiled into an anthology film to screen at and beyond the 100 days of the exhibition in Kassel.

 

This particular form was chosen to produce a visualization of Iraqi from artists who were committed to working through the aftermath of American-led wars and occupation. The participants raise important questions as to how artists survive in the aftermath of US-led wars and occupation, with minimal supportive infrastructures, inclusion in regional and critical dialogues, or opportunities for the development of their practice.

2022