Barakat Contemporary is hosting Zifzafa, the first solo exhibition in Korea by renowned artist and activist Lawrence Abu Hamdan, from September 3 to November 3, 2024. Known for his unique use of sound to explore political, social, and environmental issues, Abu Hamdan presents a deeply resonant exhibition that emphasizes the vital role of “the politics of listening” in understanding and addressing conflict. His work, often used in legal contexts, bridges the gap between art and activism, drawing attention to marginalized voices and exposing the invisible effects of power structures.

Lawrence Abu Hamdan, who describes himself as a “Private Ear,” is a researcher, filmmaker, writer, and activist. He has conducted extensive sonic investigations in Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, France, and the UK, collaborating with organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Defense for Children International. His sound-based works have been used as legal evidence in conflict zones, making Abu Hamdan’s artistic practice not only aesthetically powerful but also politically impactful.

In Zifzafa, a term derived from Arabic meaning “the wind that shakes everything,” Abu Hamdan uses wind as a metaphor for exploring the interconnectedness of social relations. The exhibition delves into how wind, as an unseen force, influences the movements of people, animals, pollen, and dust, connecting them across vast spaces. However, Abu Hamdan also examines how this same force can create barriers, restrict movement, and isolate individuals, highlighting the dual nature of such invisible forces.

At the core of Abu Hamdan’s work is the concept of listening—not just in a passive sense but as an active political process. He argues that sound has the power to reveal truths that may be hidden from view, allowing for new forms of understanding and engagement. His sound investigations, rooted in real-world conflicts and human rights abuses, bring attention to voices often silenced or overlooked, giving them a platform to be heard.

In collaboration with his team at Earshot, Abu Hamdan has worked closely with non-governmental organizations to develop new methods of using sound as evidence. His approach goes beyond traditional art forms, blending aesthetics with legal and political activism. This combination of art and law is a powerful tool for justice, with Abu Hamdan’s sound pieces being used to support legal claims in international courts.

The exhibition at Barakat Contemporary provides visitors with an immersive experience, where sound is used as both a medium and a message. Abu Hamdan’s pieces invite audiences to consider the invisible networks of power and control that shape our world, as well as how we can resist and challenge those structures through active listening and engagement.

Zifzafa is not merely an exploration of sound but a reflection on how listening can become an act of defiance against oppression. Through this exhibition, Lawrence Abu Hamdan calls on audiences to consider the political implications of sound, urging us to listen more carefully to the whispers of those marginalized by society.

With this first solo exhibition in Korea, Abu Hamdan continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art, demonstrating that sound, when combined with political awareness, can become a transformative force in both art and society.

Sayart / Maria Kim, sayart2022@gmail.com