Resilient Bodies, Residual Effects - Artistic Articulations of Borders and Collectivity from Lebanon and Palestine

Sandra Noeth examines the entangled experiences of borders and collectivity through the perspective of bodies, using dramaturgical analyses of contemporary artistic work from Lebanon and Palestine to develop notions of agency and responsibility that are immanently bound to bodies in relation to social and political transformations across the Middle East and beyond.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

Sandra Noeth delves into the intricate relationship between borders and collectivity, exploring the experiences of both through the lens of bodies. Through dramatic analyses of contemporary artistic works from Lebanon and Palestine, Noeth demonstrates how borders and collectivity are constructed and negotiated through performative, corporeal, movement-based, and sensory strategies and processes. This interdisciplinary study becomes particularly relevant in light of social and political transformations across the Middle East and beyond since 2010. It highlights the enduring structural impacts of borders and collectivity on bodies and proposes notions of agency and responsibility that are inherently tied to these bodily experiences.

Borders, as physical and symbolic boundaries, have a profound impact on individuals and communities. They shape the ways in which people interact, communicate, and navigate the world. Crossing a border, whether it be for travel, migration, or seeking asylum, can be a complex and challenging process. It involves navigating legal procedures, cultural differences, and physical barriers such as fences, walls, and checkpoints.

For those who are able to cross borders, the experience can be transformative. It offers opportunities for cultural exchange, economic growth, and personal development. However, crossing borders also comes with its own set of challenges. Language barriers, discrimination, and social exclusion are just some of the issues that migrants and refugees face.

At the same time, borders also shape the identity and sense of belonging of individuals and communities. They define the boundaries of territories, cultures, and societies, and can create divisions and tensions between different groups. Borders can also be a source of pride and identity, representing the heritage and traditions of a particular region.

In recent years, the global landscape has been increasingly shaped by the dynamics of borders and collectivity. The rise of nationalism, the refugee crisis, and the proliferation of technology have all contributed to the complex and evolving nature of these relationships. Borders have become more fortified, surveillance technologies have advanced, and migration policies have become more restrictive.

However, there are also movements and initiatives that challenge the boundaries of borders and promote greater interconnectedness and collaboration. These include grassroots organizations that provide aid and support to migrants and refugees, as well as artistic and cultural projects that celebrate diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding.

In conclusion, borders and collectivity are deeply intertwined and complex phenomena that shape the experiences of individuals and communities. They are influenced by a range of social, political, and economic factors, and are constantly evolving in response to changing global dynamics. Understanding the complexities of these relationships is essential for promoting greater empathy, understanding, and cooperation across borders.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 226 x 147 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837643633