The Mediterranean in Art

       In many of the art exhibits we visited in France, hybrid or multiple identities was at the core of the exhibits. Two exhibits that stand out for this emphasis of hybridity was “ Here, and Elsewhere” at the art gallery and center La Friche, and the exhibit Mediterraneans, From Yesterday’s Cities to Today’s Men. While both exhibits explored the intersections of East and West in the Mediterranean, the two exhibits had contrasting approaches.  While Here and Elsewhere emphasized the contemporary feelings of disconnect and confusion between immigrants from the Mediterranean to France, Mediterraneans created a narrative of connection and shared history between the cultures.

        The exhibit, Mediterraneans, at the new space J1 hanger, a former dockyard hanger, created a narrative of the Mediterranean as a connected and singular place and identity. The shows begins with ancient and then medieval art pieces reflecting the theme of the Mediterranean. Roman mosaics, and old arabic scripts are all included in this exhibit. The exhibit emphasized trade and movement along the Mediterranean sea. Slowly, as one followed the exhibit, the the present is approached. The exhibit ends with a photo essay of laid off dock workers in Marseille, showing the role and power of the Mediterranean in region. even today. This exhibit utilizes art and history to create a narrative of the Mediterranean as a identity and unified region.  

      Here and Elsewhere, at La Friche, also deals with identity and the Mediterranean region but from a different perspective. The art of this exhibit looks at identity in a highly personal and individual way, relying on the personal experiences of each artist. This creates a number of different narratives addressing identity and different conclusions. My favorite piece, and one of the most thought provoking is Mona-Hatoum’s sculptural cages. In each metal cage is a glass blown heart, with all the cages and hearts separated. The piece reflects the struggles and pain of exile. It represents the plight of many who flee their homes and often times loved ones for safety.Rather than portraying the region as unified this piece reflects the reality of disconnection. Other works from this exhibit also pushed boundaries of contemporary art, including Annette Messager's installation made of wigs. Although I found Here and Elsewhere more exciting and challenging I found Mediterraneans to be extremely helpful in solidifying more understanding between the level of interaction between different areas of the Mediterranean sea.