
Malek Gnaoui Tunisian, b. 1983
38h x 275w cm total
Beginning with the story of pieces of Roman ruins found at the bottom of the sea in Mahdia, a city on the shore of Tunisia, the artist draws attention to the immigrants who flee Tunisia to cross the Mediterranean and leave their passports behind. Here, imagery of ruins eaten by sea salt contrast with parts of vestiges still holding their shape are printed on pages of old passports collected from immigrants, who are an active piece of the Gnaoui’s process of exchange during the realization of the work.
This composition signifies a profound shift across time and space, highlighting the enduring significance of history presented to reality where the Mediterranean is the center of what could be the beginning, but mostly the end, of a life.
The artist's primary aim is to depict the illusory nature of belief in intangible beings that demand human sacrifices and reflect on both phenomenons happening in different times of history.
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