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Charlotte Bank

I am an independent researcher, curator, writer and photographer living between Berlin and Damascus.

With a background in Near Eastern archaeology and art history, my main focus now is the reception of Islamic and Arab art and culture in Western high and popular culture, early Islamic visual art, contemporary artistic and cultural practice in the Arab world and its Diaspora, hybridity and interculturality.

The consequences and mechanisms of globalization, transculturalism, colonialism, immigration and exile are all important aspects that I try to analyze in my projects.

During the past years I have conducted wide research in Syria, concentrating on contemporary artistic expression, especially experimental film, video and photography. Unnoticed by the wider arts' world, Syria has a vibrant and fast devolping contemporary art scene. The results of my research are published in different journals and on my website.

I organize projects, talks, seminars and exhibitions and publish regularly, both on- and off-line.

Ongoing and planned projects are:

"In Search of a Lost History". An exploration of history and history-construction. Video project in collaboration with Rami Farah (Syria)

"Dreams of Return". An experimental video exploring memories among Palestinian exiles in Syria. In collaboration with Nasser Soumi (Palestine/France)

"Transformations". An exploration of urbanity in the Old City of Damascus

"In-Between: Negotiating Diasporic Identities"

"Hijab Fashion". A fashion reportage with a twist.
Tired of the incessant discussions in Europe pro or contra the "veil", I decided to present a different focus, a fashion-related, one that shows the creativity of women's interpretation of this traditional garment.
My video is neither for or against, it is not a critique, and it is not apologetic. It is an invitation to see the world from a different perspective.

"Urban Tribes". An investigation of a global dance and music phenomenon in contemporary urban youth culture

 
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Berlin
Germany
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www.zakharif.eu

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  • comment in: AMAL PAN-ARAB FILM FESTIVAL 09

    Access problems

    This all sounds very interesting, indeed. However, the website www.amalfestival.com seems to be malfunctioning and the website of the ...

    Charlotte Bank 29 Mar 09, 18:50
  • comment in: Palestine, graffiti as peaceful act of resistance

    fantastic photos

    The photos are absolutely amazing. And they show that no matter how hard oppressors try, people will always find a way to resist and ...

    Charlotte Bank 2 May 09, 17:33