Oyouni

Oyouni is a multimedia installation exploring identity, resilience, and cultural continuity in post-conflict Iraq. Com-
prising a video, photographs, and 3D-printed artefacts inspired by ancient Sumerian statues, the work bridges
the temporal distance between a distant past and a precarious present. It reflects extensive research conducted
across Iraq from 2021 to 2023, creating a layered dialogue between ancestral heritage and the aspirations of a
generation seeking to redefine itself beyond the fractures of war and division.

The 18-minute video lies at the heart of the installation, featuring young Iraqis from diverse backgrounds perform-
ing music and dance in traditional mudhifs, reed houses of southern Iraq’s marshlands. These scenes challenge
stereotypical depictions of the country, celebrating its natural and cultural vitality. The soundtrack integrates an-
cient Sumerian chants and contemporary Iraqi melodies, weaving a poignant narrative of historical and cultural
resonance.

Accompanying the video are five large-format photographs capturing the performers in moments of introspec-
tion and movement. These portraits evoke a tension between youthful energy and the timeless landscapes
they inhabit. Completing the work is a series of 3D-printed eyes modeled after Sumerian statues. Displayed as
archaeological relics, these eyes symbolize ancestral invocation and self-recognition, bridging past and present.
Through its layered elements, Oyouni asserts the power of shared memory and heritage as tools for healing,
resistance, and reimagining identity in the face of crisis.