The Rebel (2021)
3'13"
Single-channel digital video, color, stereo sound
The video references the 1921 poem Bidrohi (The Rebel) by Bengali poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. Translation of poem by Sajed Kamal found here.
The poem celebrates resistance to oppression and expresses internalized rage to expressed violence, which became a symbol for Bengalis to resist the colonial presence at the time. The sentiment of the poem is just as relevant today to all oppressed bodies of settler states and colonialism.
The audio here is a sonic protest from the streets of Sheikh Jarrah in Palestine from May 9th, 2021. Used with permission from the sound artist.
Viewing link for full video available upon request.
Exhibitions/screenings: Rest Needed, Everson Museum, Syracuse, NY (2021).